Name given to a drug or pharmaceutical product by the United States Ado])ted Names Council (USAN). This name is usually shorter and simpler than the chemical name, and is the one most commonly used in the scientific literature. It is the name by which most physicians and pharmacists learn about a particular drug product in their professional training. An example would be penicillin, a well-known antibiotic. Also known as the generic name or official name. An established name for drugs is required by section 502(e) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.