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

[Stein Lyftingsmo <sjappe@apotek.no>]

E-drug: EDL - ATC (cont'd)
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Regarding Mr Reidenberg's comment:

One product (same substance and strength, same formulation)
always has only one valid (sometimes classification is changed for a
product) ATC classification.

There are a few substances with more than one ATC (Anatomical
Therapeutical Chemical) classification. Rather than creating a
problem, this solves a problem.

Aspirin, salicylic acid has the code B01AC06 for antitrombotic use,
doses below 160mg. For analgetic, antipyretic and antirheumatic
use it has the code N02BA01. Metronidazole has three codes,
G01AF01 for gynecological use, J01XD01 as an antimicrobial
agent, and P01AB01 for agents against protozoes (this one is a
little more confusing). Chloramphenicol has also three codes.
J01BA01 for systemic use, S01AA01 for application on eyes, and
S02AA01 for application in ears.

Preparations for systemic use generally have different classification
then those for local application. Combination products have
different codes than single substance preparations.

These differences are logical. And they are not causing problems.
But it certainly is a problem that we don't have a globally accepted
drug classification system.

Stein Lyftingsmo
Hospital Pharmacy of Elverum, Norway
e-mail: sjappe@apotek.no


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