[e-drug] EDL - ATC (cont'd)

[Kirsten Myhr <myhr@online.no>]

E-drug: EDL - ATC (cont'd)
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The only ones I can recall are some drugs for asthma that are both
for inhalation and for systemic use, e.g. salbutamol R03AC02 and
R03CC02. The products are in the same main group, respiratory
system, and subgroup, antiasthmatics, but because a distinction is
made on the third level between products for inhalation and
systemic use, this situation occurs. In which case the dosage forms
are very different and the national body that assigns and maintains
the classification will be able to distinguish and give the products
on the market the right code. In no instance where the same
substance in the same dosage form is used for different indications
is there more than one ATC-code as far as I know. It is always the
main indication that is used.

In my opinion this cannot create any confusion. I have worked with
the ATC-system since the beginning in early 70s and I have never
heard of, or experienced such a problem. If I am wrong, Marit
(Ronning) will correct it when she is back from holiday mid-August.

Kind regards,

Kirsten

Kirsten Myhr
Head of Eastern Region Drug Information Centre

RELIS Ost
Ulleval University Hospital
0407 Oslo, Norway
Tel.: +47 23 01 64 11(o)   Fax: +47 23 01 64 10
+47 22 56 05 85 (h)   mobile: +47 416 38 747
myhr@online.no
www.relis.no


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