Guidelines for ATC classification and DDD assignment - WHOCC

List of terms:
AC-system Anatomical Classification developed by the EphMRA (page
21).
ATC classification Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system
(page 10, 15).
ATC herbal classification ATC classification for herbal remedies (page 46).
ATCvet classification ATC classification for veterinary products (page 46).
ATC levels The ATC system is divided in 5 different levels.
1st level: 14 anatomical groups
2nd level: Pharmacological/therapeutic/ subgroup
3rd and 4th level: Chemical/pharmacological/therapeutic
subgroups
5th level: Chemical substance (page 15).
Average adult dose The dose used for the main indication which reflects the ATC
code. When referred to body weight, an adult is considered to
be a person of 70 kg. The DDDs are as a main rule based on
the average adult dose (page 23).
BAN British Approved Name (page 15).
5th level codes 20 and 30 5th level codes used for combined preparations containing
two or more active ingredients belonging to the same 4th
level. (e.g. page 19).
5th level codes - 50-series Combination products containing two or more active
components not belonging to the same 4th level are classified
by using 50- series. (e.g. page 19).
5th level codes - 70 series Combination products containing psycholeptic drugs, which
are not classified under N05 or N06 are classified at separate
5th levels using the 70-series corresponding to the ATCclassification
of the main component. (e.g. page 19).
Combination products Products containing two or more active ingredients (page 19).
DDD Defined Daily Dose - a technical unit of measurement
defined as the assumed average maintenance dose per day for
a drug used for its main indication in adults (page 22).
DDDs/1000 inhabitants/day Data presented as such provide a rough estimate of the
proportion of the population within a defined area treated
daily with certain drugs (page 34).
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