[e-drug] The use of stems in International Nonproprietary Names (7)

[stein@lyftingsmo.no]

E-DRUG: The use of stems in International Nonproprietary Names (7)
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I was disappointed when I read the message from the WHO Collaborating Centre for 
Drug Statistics Methodology, where they expressed scepticism for the use of ATC for 
classification of INN stems.

But sitting down to write a proper answer, I came to the conclusion that they cannot 
have read my previous posting.

The table that I refer to is page 27 to 50 in the INN document
http://www.who.int/medicines/library/qsm/stemdoc2004.pdf 

There are weaknesses in using ATC for classification of INN stems. But all other 
systems also have the same weaknesses. In addition the other systems do not have 
potential for global use.

I know the ATC system very well. I cannot understand how the use of ATC for 
classifying INN stems could be confusing or misleading. 

What is really confusing and misleading is the lack of a globally used classification 
system for medicines. A system also used by FDA and the French, British, German, 
Japanese health authorities. None of these countries have systems with potential or 
ambitions for global use.

But when WHO itself does not recognise the need to convert to ATC, and the centre 
for ATC/DDD itself is afraid of quite ordinary use of ATC, then I can understand the 
slow spreading.


Stein Lyftingsmo
Hospital Pharmacy of Elverum, Norway
stein@lyftingsmo.no
www.lyftingsmo.no