Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System - hmislk/hmis GitHub Wiki
Overview
The ATC Classification System is a hierarchical system for classifying drugs based on their therapeutic use and chemical characteristics. Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), it provides a standardized way to categorize medications, facilitating communication and research in the field of pharmacy and medicine.
Structure
The ATC code consists of seven alphanumeric levels, each representing a different aspect of drug classification:
1. Anatomical Main Group (1st level): Represents the main anatomical or therapeutic group. Example: A for Alimentary Tract and Metabolism.
2. Therapeutic Subgroup (2nd level): Further specifies the therapeutic class. Example: A02 for Drugs for Acid-related Disorders.
3. Pharmacological Subgroup (3rd level): Describes the drug's pharmacological action. Example: A02B for Drugs for Peptic Ulcer and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
4. Chemical Subgroup (4th level): Identifies the chemical structure of the drug. Example: A02BA for H2-receptor antagonists.
5. Chemical Substance (5th level): Specifies the exact substance or compound. Example: A02BA02 for Ranitidine.
6. ATC Level 6: Additional subdivisions for specific formulations or combinations. 7. ATC Level 7: Represents individual drug products.
Benefits
1. International Standardization: ATC provides a globally recognized standard for classifying drugs, enhancing communication among healthcare professionals, researchers, and regulatory authorities.
2. Research and Analysis: Facilitates systematic data analysis and research on drug utilization, prescribing patterns, and pharmacoeconomic.
3. Clinical Decision Support: Aids healthcare practitioners in selecting appropriate drugs for specific therapeutic categories.
Usage
1. Database Integration: ATC codes are commonly used in pharmaceutical databases, enabling efficient organization and retrieval of drug information.
2. Medical Coding: Widely employed in medical coding systems, supporting accurate documentation and billing in healthcare settings.