Altalube Ointment
NDC Package 59390-198-50

View Billable Units, 11-Digit Conversion Format, and RxNorm mappings
Table of Contents
    1. Package Information
    2. Frequently Asked Questions

Package Information

Altalube (mineral oil and petrolatum) ointment is • pull down lower lid of the affected eye and apply a small amount (one-fourth inch) of ointment to the inside of the eyelid every 3-4 hours or as directed by a doctor. This formulation utilizes a ointment delivery system. Marketed by Altaire Pharmaceuticals Inc., this product is identified by NDC 59390-198 and is authorized under FDA application M018.

Identification & Billing

NDC Package Code
59390-198-50
Package Description
1 TUBE in 1 CARTON / 3.5 g in 1 TUBE
Product Code
59390-198
11-Digit Billing Format
59390019850
Billing Unit
GM - Billing unit of "gram" is used when a product is measured by its weight.
Units Per Package
3.5 GM
RxNorm Crosswalk
  • RxCUI: 1088146 - Altalube 15 % / 85 % Ophthalmic Ointment
  • RxCUI: 1088146 - mineral oil 0.15 MG/MG / petrolatum 0.85 MG/MG Ophthalmic Ointment [Altalube]
  • RxCUI: 1088146 - Altalube (mineral oil 15 % / petrolatum, white 85 % ) Ophthalmic Ointment
  • RxCUI: 579996 - mineral oil 15 % / petrolatum 85 % Ophthalmic Ointment
  • RxCUI: 579996 - mineral oil 0.15 MG/MG / petrolatum 0.85 MG/MG Ophthalmic Ointment

Clinical Specifications

Proprietary Name
Altalube
Non-Proprietary Name
Mineral Oil And Petrolatum
Substance Name
Mineral Oil; Petrolatum
Dosage Form
Ointment - A semisolid3 dosage form, usually containing <20% water and volatiles5 and >50% hydrocarbons, waxes, or polyols as the vehicle. This dosage form is generally for external application to the skin or mucous membranes.
Administration Route
Ophthalmic - Administration to the external eye.
Active Ingredient(s)
Usage Information
• pull down lower lid of the affected eye and apply a small amount (one-fourth inch) of ointment to the inside of the eyelid every 3-4 hours or as directed by a doctor.

Regulatory & Marketing

Labeler Name
Altaire Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Product Type
Human Otc Drug
FDA Application #
M018
Marketing Category
OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG -
Start Marketing Date
02-01-2002
Listing Expiration
12-31-2026
Exclude Flag
N
Sample Package
No

Hierarchy Structure

Code Lineage

The NDC Directory contains ONLY information on final marketed drugs submitted to FDA electronically by labelers. A labeler might be a manufacturer, re-packager or re-labeler. The product information included in the NDC directory does not indicate that FDA has verified the information provided by the product labeler. Assigned NDC numbers are not in any way an indication of FDA approval of the product.

* Please review the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distribution configuration for this product package?

The code 59390-198-50 identifies a specific commercial package of 1 tube in 1 carton / 3.5 g in 1 tube of Altalube, a human over the counter drug labeled by Altaire Pharmaceuticals Inc.. This product is billed per "GM" gram and contains an estimated amount of 3.5 billable units per package. This ointment is formulated for ophthalmic use and contains mineral oil; petrolatum as the active substance.

Is this product currently listed with the FDA?

Yes, this product is active and verified within the NDC Directory. It was introduced to the market by Altaire Pharmaceuticals Inc. on February 01, 2002. The current certification is valid through December 31, 2026.

How is this Altaire Pharmaceuticals Inc. product billed for insurance claims?

For medical billing and reimbursement, this package follows the 11-digit CMS format: 59390019850. Quantities are measured in per "gm or gram", products billed per gram are products measured by weight.. There are 3.5 total billable units per package. The table below illustrates the segment conversion from the 10-digit labeler code to the 11-digit provider format.

11-Digit Code Conversion

Billing payers usually require a 5-4-2 segment configuration. Below is the conversion from the 10-digit package format to the 11-digit billing format:

10-Digit Format (5-3-2)
59390-198-50
11-Digit CMS (5-4-2)
59390-0198-50

Note: The zero is added to the Product segment to maintain the 5-4-2 structure.