Guidelines for ATC classification and DDD assignment - WHOCC

N02A OPIOIDS
This group comprises strong analgesics of the opiate type and analgesics
with similar structure or action.
Sufentanil, which is also used as an epidural analgesic, is classified in
N01AH.
Combinations with antispasmodics are classified in N02AG.
The DDDs in this group are based on the treatment of pain.
The DDD for oral morphine is higher than the parenteral DDD
because of lower bioavailability.
The DDD for combinations of oxycodone and naloxone
(N02AA55) is similar to the DDD for plain oxycodone.
N02AA Natural opium alkaloids
This group includes natural and semi-synthetic opiates.
Opium, see also A07DA - Antipropulsives.
Plain codeine preparations are classified in R05D - Cough suppressants,
excl. combinations with expectorants. Codeine or dihydrocodeine in
combination with other analgesics are classified in this group at separate
5th levels by using the 50-series, if the codeine or dihydrocodeine
content is 20 mg or more per unit dose. Combinations with a lower
content of codeine or dihydrocodeine are classified at the respective 4th
levels in N02B or M01A of the other analgesic components (e.g.
paracetamol or acetylsalicylic acid).
Combinations with antihistamines and anticholinergic agents are
classified here.
Combinations of oxycodone and naloxone are classified in N02AA55.
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