# Pharmacy step 3: generic names, Rx flags and controlled items

> Add the Pharmacy product fields - generic name, strength, dosage form, prescription required - and handle brand vs generic and controlled medicines carefully.

Source: https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/pharmacy/step-3-medicine-details-generic-and-rx/  
Last updated: 2026-10-30  
Product: SmartPOS Hub (https://smartposhub.com)

Medicines need more information than a name and a price: the generic (salt) name, strength, dosage form, pack size and whether a prescription is required. SmartPOS Hub keeps these in **product fields**, grouped as a **Pharmacy** field group that you attach to your medicine categories.

## Before you start

- Your medicine categories exist (imported with the Pharmacy catalog in [step 2](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/pharmacy/step-2-product-library-pharmacy-catalog/), or from **Products › Categories › Import prebuilt**).

## Add the Pharmacy field group

1. Open **Products › Product fields**.
2. Click **Import prebuilt** and pick the **Pharmacy** group. It contains **Generic name**, **Strength**, **Dosage form**, **Pack size**, **Prescription required**, **Manufacturer**, **Storage** and **Registration number**.
3. Attach the group to your medicine categories (for example Pain & Fever, Cough, Cold & Flu, Prescription Generics). Tick "include sub-categories".
4. Make sure the group is switched on. Fields marked **Website** show on your online store; fields marked **Filter** can be used to filter and search there.

![Product fields page with the Pharmacy group attached to medicine categories and fields Generic name, Strength, Dosage form, Pack size, Prescription required, Manufacturer, Storage and Registration number](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/pharmacy-product-fields.B-ZoNpmY.png) (web app page: `/product-fields`)
*The Pharmacy field group: Generic name and Prescription required are already used by 37 products in this pharmacy.*

From now on, the **Add Product** and edit forms of medicines in those categories show the Pharmacy fields.

## Brand vs generic

| | Where it lives | Example |
|---|---|---|
| **Brand name** | Product name | Panadol 500mg Tablet (20x10) |
| **Manufacturer** | Brand, and the Manufacturer field | GSK Consumer Healthcare |
| **Generic / salt** | Generic name field | Paracetamol (500 mg) |

![Products list of a pharmacy with medicines, locations, purchase and selling prices, stock in Pack, Bottle and Strip units, category and brand](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/pharmacy-products-list.CIcxANyz.png) (web app page: `/products`)
*Medicines in Products › List Products with their units, categories and brands.*

:::tip[Offering a cheaper generic]
To offer an alternative, keep generic equivalents in a category such as **Prescription Generics** with the same Generic name, so staff and online customers can find them together.
:::

## Prescription-only medicines

Set **Prescription required** to **Yes** on prescription-only products. This:

- shows the Rx status on the product and on your online store;
- lets your online store hold orders with these items until a pharmacist approves the uploaded prescription ([step 6](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/pharmacy/step-6-prescriptions/)).

At the counter, check the paper prescription as you do today, and note the prescription reference or doctor in the sale's note.

## Controlled medicines

:::caution[Follow your local law]
SmartPOS Hub does not decide who may buy a controlled medicine and does not replace a legally required controlled-drug register. It records each sale with the batch, quantity, customer and staff member, which helps your register and audits. For controlled items:
- keep them in their own category so they're easy to report on;
- select a named customer on the sale instead of Walk-In Customer;
- give POS access only to staff allowed to sell them ([Users and roles](https://docs.smartposhub.com/start/users-and-roles/));
- review the Product Sell Report for these items regularly.
:::

  - [Step 4: Purchases with batches and expiry](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/pharmacy/step-4-purchases-batches-and-expiry/)
  - [Add products](https://docs.smartposhub.com/catalog/add-products/)

## Frequently asked questions

### Where is the generic name stored?

In the Generic name product field of the Pharmacy field group. Library imports fill it from the catalog; for your own products, type it on the product form.

### Can customers search by generic name online?

Yes. The online store uses the Pharmacy fields marked as filters, so customers can find medicines by generic (salt) name and see brand alternatives.

### How do I mark a medicine as prescription-only?

Set the Prescription required field to Yes on the product. On your online store, such items can then require a prescription upload and pharmacist approval.

### Does SmartPOS Hub enforce controlled-drug rules at the counter?

No. It records every sale with batch, customer and user, but it does not replace the controlled-drug register or checks your law requires. Keep your register and limit who can sell these items.

### Can I add my own fields, like Schedule or Storage temperature?

Yes. Edit the Pharmacy field group in Products › Product fields and add a field. Storage and Registration number are already included.