When you buy medicines, confusing brand names can lead to costly mistakes. Two medicines with completely different names might contain identical active ingredients. Understanding this simple concept helps you make smarter purchasing decisions.
This guide explains the "same salt" rule. You will learn how to verify medicine composition and avoid common errors when choosing alternatives.
Why medicine names confuse people
The Indian pharmaceutical market sells the same molecule under hundreds of branded and non-branded names. This creates unnecessary confusion for patients trying to buy medicines affordably. Different packaging, colours, and prices make identical medicines appear completely different.
What "same salt" really means
The "salt" refers to the active pharmaceutical ingredient that treats your condition. According to the National List of Essential Medicines 2022, medicines with the same salt are therapeutically similar.
What "salt" means in medicines
The active ingredient does the actual therapeutic work. Everything else, including fillers, colours, and coatings, supports delivery. The Indian Pharmacopoeia sets official standards, ensuring active ingredients meet quality requirements.
Why two medicines can have different names but still be the same
How brands rename the same ingredient
Pharmaceutical companies sell identical molecules under their own brand names. A non-branded generic medicine contains the same active ingredient in the same strength. To confirm this, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) requires bioequivalence testing, in which a generic medicine must act the same way in the body as its branded counterpart, showing a similar rate and extent of absorption.
What changes versus what stays constant
When comparing medicines, understand these differences:
- Brand name, packaging, colour: These vary between manufacturers without affecting therapeutic value
- Active ingredient and strength: These must remain identical for true equivalence
- Price: Generics cost 30%-80% less owing to reduced marketing expenses
The "same salt" rule explained
Bioequivalence means both medicines produce similar therapeutic effects in your body. CDSCO requires the 90% confidence interval to fall within 80% to 125% of reference values. This ensures generic alternatives deliver equivalent therapeutic benefits.
The same salt doesn't always mean the same medicine
Strength differences
A medicine with 10 mg strength differs significantly from 20 mg. Always verify the exact milligram amount matches your prescription. Never assume different strengths are interchangeable.
Dosage form differences
Tablets, syrups, and drops release medicine differently into your body. The Indian Pharmacopoeia lists specific dosage forms for each medicine. Switching forms without guidance may affect treatment effectiveness.
Release type differences
Modified-release formulations use abbreviations like SR, ER, CR, or XR. These formulations release medicine slowly over extended periods. Switching between immediate-release and modified-release versions can cause problems.
Combination medicines
Single-ingredient medicines differ from combination products containing multiple salts. Always check whether your prescription contains one or multiple active ingredients.
How to check "same salt" when you buy medicine online
Where to find composition
Rule 96 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules requires labels to display active ingredients clearly. The generic name must appear more prominently than the brand name. Look for composition information on product pages.
The 30-second check
Before accepting any alternative, verify these four elements:
- Ingredient: Confirm that it contains the same active pharmaceutical ingredient
- Strength: Matches the precise milligram or microgram amount
- Form: Ensure tablet, capsule, or syrup matches your prescription
- Release type: Check for SR, ER, or immediate-release specifications
Handling substitute suggestions safely
When the best online medicine website suggests alternatives, verify that all four elements match. Consult your pharmacist if anything differs from your original prescription.
When you should not switch without confirming
- Modified-release medicines:
The National Medical Commission guidelines note that narrow therapeutic index medicines require extra caution. Modified-release formulations fall into this category.
- Special dosage forms:
Inhalers, injections, and eye drops use specific delivery mechanisms. Different brands may deliver medicine differently despite identical ingredients.
- Long-term medicines:
Patients stabilised on one formulation may experience problems when switching. Consistency matters when managing chronic conditions.
Common mistakes people make
Here are some common mistakes people make when considering substitutes:
- Assuming that instant swapping is safe: Quality standards exist, but verification remains essential. Always confirm with healthcare professionals before switching medicines.
- Ignoring label details: Check whether the strength is per tablet or per 5 ml for liquids. A 100 mg tablet differs from a 100 mg per 5 ml syrup.
- Accepting substitutions blindly: Platforms like Truemeds provide composition details for verification. Use this information to confirm what is changing before accepting alternatives.
Making confident medicine choices
The "same salt" rule empowers you to buy medicine wisely without overpaying. Always verify the ingredient, strength, form, and release type match exactly. Consulting your doctor or pharmacist ensures safe substitutions. This knowledge helps you access affordable healthcare confidently.
FAQs
If two medicines have the same salt, are they always interchangeable?
Not necessarily. Strength, dosage form, and release type must also match. The same salt with a different concentration requires medical guidance before switching.
What if the new medicine looks different from my old one?
Colour, shape, and packaging can differ between manufacturers. Verify that the active ingredient and strength match your prescription exactly.
What do SR/ER/CR/XR mean, and why do they matter?
SR, ER, CR, and XR refer to medicines designed to release slowly over time. Switching between these and immediate-release forms can change how the medicine works. Therefore, switching should only be done on a doctor’s advice.
How do I confirm I'm ordering the right generic online?
Check composition details showing active ingredients, strength, and form. The best online medicine website displays this information prominently on their product pages.