What Does INN Mean in Medical Terms?

INN stands for international nonproprietary name. Globally standard name of a medicine substance.

international nonproprietary name

Globally standard name of a medicine substance.

Where you will see INN

You will most often see INN in medication orders and prescriptions.

Example

A medication order might be written with “INN” as shorthand for international nonproprietary name.

Related abbreviations

Browse the full Medical Abbreviations guide — 5,715 entries, searchable A–Z and by specialty.

Educational reference only. This guide is for learning and quick reference. Abbreviations vary between hospitals, countries and specialties, and some are discouraged because they can be misread. Always write and interpret orders using your own institution’s approved abbreviation list, and check anything unclear with the prescriber or your local policy.