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2.2 Classification of plain preparations
Plain preparations are defined as:
Preparations containing one active component (including stereoisomeric mixtures), and
additional substances intended to
- increase the stability of the preparations (e.g. acetylsalicylic acid + ascorbic acid), or
- increase the duration of the effect (e.g. depot formulations), or
- increase the absorption of the active component (e.g. different solvents in
dermatologicals).
Different salts of the active ingredient are usually given one and the same 5th level ATCvet
code, but prodrugs and stereoisomers with differing pharmacological activity may be assigned
separate 5th level codes.
2.3 Classification of combination products
Products containing two or more active components are classified as combination products in
accordance with the principles of the ATC system. In general, the main therapeutic use decides
which ATCvet code is to be used.
Combination products are classified according to two main principles:
1. Combination products containing two or more active components not belonging to the same
therapeutic 4th level group are classified using 50-series codes.
Example:
QJ01AA06 oxytetracycline (plain)
QJ01AA56 oxytetracycline, combinations
Combination products with the same main active ingredient are usually given the same
ATCvet code. Thus oxytetracycline + flunixin and oxytetracycline + neomycin are both
assigned the code QJ01AA56.
Packages comprising two or more different medicinal products marketed under a common
brand name are also considered as combination products.
E.g.: Sotalol tablets and aspirin tablets in one combination package is classified in
QC07AA57 sotalol, combinations.
2. Combination products containing two or more active ingredients belonging to the same
therapeutic 4th level group are classified using the 5th level codes 20 or 30.
Example:
QJ01CA Penicillins with extended spectrum
QJ01CA02 pivampicillin
QJ01CA08 pivmecillinam
QJ01CA20 combinations
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