[e-drug] Universal code for drugs (cont'd)

[Stein Lyftingsmo <sjappe@apotek.no>]

E-drug: Universal code for drugs (cont'd)
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I have been asked why drug classification system is not suitable for
computer stock management.

No drug classification systems are suitable for that. They are not
meant for stock control, they are meant to describe medicines in
order to make it more easy to find them in drug lists, and to make
statistics.

They are not accurate enough for stock control. These systems
usually don't distinguish between different pharmaceutical forms of
the same active substance. Several of them are not even that
detailed. In addition, your stock probably includes several items that
are not classified as medicines.

An example:
Glyceryl trinitrate has ATC code C01DA02
(ATC: Anathomical Therapeutical Chemical)
Anathomical level  C-Cardiovascular system
First therapeutical level  01-Cardiac therapy
Second therapeutical level  D-Vasodilaters used in cardiac diseases
First chemical level  A-Organic nitrates
Second chemical level  02-Glyceryl trinitrate

In Norway (5 mill inhabitants) there are 28 preparations from nine
manufacturers with this substance. Sublingual tablets, patches for
transdermal absorption, aerosol for sublingual use, transfusion
solution, concentrate for transfusion. Several strengths and package
sizes of most of it.

It is theoretically possible to build out such systems with additional
levels and codes to include pharmaceutical forms, strengths and
package sizes. But that would be very complicated, and of no
statistical interest. 

It is much simpler to use a stock control number. The Nordic
countries use 6 digits, but that is getting too small, as the system
also contains other items than medicines. If there is no national
number system, the stock control numbers used by your largest
wholesaler/supplier may be a good alternative. But there will always
be needed local stock numbers for articles that you make, or that
are purchased from other sources. These local stock numbers
should all be in the same segment (e.g 700000-799999).

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


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