Guidelines for ATC classification and DDD assignment - WHOCC

A06 LAXATIVES
A06A LAXATIVES
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Laxatives are mainly grouped according to their mode of action. All
enemas are classified in A06AG, regardless of mode of action.
Some combination products are classified at separate levels. These are
mentioned in the respective ATC group.
Otherwise combination products are classified at separate 5th levels
using the corresponding 50-series.
Laxatives in combination with centrally acting antiobesity agents are
classified in A08A - Antiobesity preparations, excl. diet products.
A06AA Softeners, emollients
This group comprises preparations containing liquid paraffin, docusate
sodium etc. Docusate potassium is classified at the same 5th level as
docusate sodium.
Combinations with contact laxatives are classified in A06AB, except all
liquid paraffin combinations, which are classified in A06AA.
DDDs for e.g. liquid paraffin and castor oil are given using the
following unit: g (gram), (1 g = 1 ml for all practical purposes).
Preparations classified in A06AA51 - liquid paraffin,
combinations, are all given the same DDD = 3 UD (15 ml), independent
of liquid paraffin concentration.
A06AB Contact laxatives
This group comprises agents, which mainly inhibit the absorption of
electrolytes and water through a specific pharmacological mechanism.
Combinations with osmotically acting laxatives are classified here.
Combinations with bulk producing laxatives are classified in
A06AC - Bulk producers.
Gas producing rectal preparations and glycerol suppositories, see
A06AX - Other laxatives.