An INN for a new chemical entity does not routinely specify the stereoisomeric state of the molecule in the nonproprietary name. If the stereochemistry has been determined, then this information is presented in the chemical name(s) to identify the substance. An INN can, therefore, identify the racemic mixture (e.g. ibuprofen, tetramisole), the levo- isomer (e.g. amifostine, lofentanil, prenalterol, remoxipride, quadazocine), or the dextro form (e.g. butopamine). Subsequently if an INN is needed for a different enantiomer or for the racemic form, the following prefixes should be added to the existing INN:

(a) For the levo form, the lev-/levo- prefix is used, e.g. levocarnitine, levamisole.
(b) For the dextro form, the dex- prefix is used, e.g. dexamisole, dexibuprofen.
(c) For the racemic form, the rac-/race- prefix is used, e.g. racepinefrine.