Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification
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The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system is used for the classification of pharmaceuticals. The classification system divides drugs into different groups according to the organ or system on which they act and/or their therapeutic and chemical characteristics.
It was developed by Norwegian researchers working for the Nordic Council on Medicines (NLN), and first used for statistical purposes in 1976. The WHO Regional Office for Europe recommended its use throughout the continent from 1981, and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology was established in Oslo, funded by the Norwegian government, to coordinate the system. Since 1996, the WHO has recognised the ATC classification as an international standard for compiling statistics on drug use.[1]
Classification
In this system, drugs are classified into groups at 5 different levels:[1]
- First level
- The first level of the code indicates the anatomical main group and consists of one letter: there are 14 main groups.[2]
- Example: C Cardiovascular system
- Second level
- The second level of the code indicates the therapeutic main group and consists of two digits.
- Example: C03 Diuretics
- Third level
- The third level of the code indicates the therapeutic/pharmacological subgroup and consists of one letter.
- Example: C03C High-ceiling diuretics
- Fourth level
- The fourth level of the code indicates the chemical/therapeutic/pharmacological subgroup and consists of one letter.
- Example: C03CA Sulfonamides
- Fifth level
- The fifth level of the code indicates the chemical substance and consists of two digits.
- Example: C03CA01 Furosemide
ATCvet
The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System for veterinary medicinal products (ATCvet) is used to classify veterinary drugs. It was first developed by the Nordic Council on Medicines (NLN) in 1992, and has been coordinated by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology since 2001.[3]
Many medicinal products have both human and veterinary uses. ATCvet codes can be created by placing the letter Q in front of the ATC code of most human medications. For example, furosemide for veterinary use has the code QC03CA01.
Some codes are used exclusively for veterinary drugs, for example QI Immunologicals, QJ51 Antibacterials for intramammary use or QN05AX90 amperozide.[3]
Defined Daily Dose
The ATC system also includes Defined Daily Doses (DDDs) for many drugs. This is a measurement of drug consumption based on the usual daily dose for a given drug. According to the definition, "[t]he DDD is the assumed average maintenance dose per day for a drug used for its main indication in adults."[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 About the ATC/DDD system; WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, <http://www.whocc.no/atcddd/atcsystem.html>. (accessed 5 December 2009).
- ↑ ATC/DDD Index; WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, <http://www.whocc.no/atcddd/indexdatabase/>. (accessed 5 December 2009).
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 About the ATCvet classification system; WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, <http://www.whocc.no/atcvet/about_atcvet.html>. (accessed 5 December 2009).
External links
- Official ATC website
- ATC: Introduction on the Family Medicine Research Centre, University of Sydney
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