Therapeutic Classification of Drugs
The therapeutic classification of drugs groups medications based on their intended effects and the conditions they treat. This forms the second level of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) system, following the anatomical classification.
Here’s a breakdown of the main therapeutic groups within the ATC system:
1. Alimentary Tract and Metabolism:
- A01 – Antacids and digestive enzymes (Image of antacid tablets)
- A02 – Laxatives (Image of laxative tablets)
- A03 – Antidiarrheals, intestinal antispasmodics and motility stimulants (Image of Imodium)
- A04 – Anti-emetics and nausea suppressants (Image of Zofran)
- A10 – Drugs used in diabetes (Image of insulin)
2. Blood and Blood Forming Organs:
- B01 – Antithrombotic agents (Image of aspirin)
- B02 – Antihemorrhagics and hemostatics (Image of clotting factors)
- B03 – Blood substitutes and perfusate solutions
3. Cardiovascular System:
- C01 – Cardiac glycosides and other cardiac stimulants (Image of digoxin)
- C02 – Antianginals (Image of nitroglycerin)
- C03 – Diuretics (Image of furosemide)
- C04 – Peripheral vasodilators (Image of sildenafil)
- C07 – Beta blocking agents (Image of carvedilol)
4. Dermatologicals:
- D01 – Antipruritics, topical anesthetics (Image of calamine lotion)
- D02 – Emollients and protectives (Image of moisturizer)
- D05 – Anti-infectives and antiparasitics for topical use (Image of clotrimazole cream)
- D06 – Corticosteroids, topical (Image of hydrocortisone cream)
5. Genito-urinary System and Sex Hormones:
- G01 – Antibacterials for systemic use (Image of amoxicillin)
- G02 – Antifungals for systemic use (Image of fluconazole)
- G03 – Antiparasitic products, insecticides and repellents
- G04 – Antivirals (Image of acyclovir)
- G07 – Vaccines (Image of a syringe)
6. Systemic Hormonal Preparations, excl. Sex Hormones and Insulins:
- H01 – Pituitary and hypothalamic hormones and analogues
- H02 – Corticosteroids and their synthetic analogues
- H03 – Thyroid hormones and their analogues
- H04 – Androgens (Image of testosterone)
7. Antineoplastics and Immunomodulating Agents:
- L01 – Antineoplastics (Image of chemotherapy drugs)
- L02 – Immunosuppressants (Image of cyclosporine)
- L03 – Stimulants of the hematopoietic system and colony stimulating factors (Image of erythropoietin)
8. Musculo-skeletal System:
- M01 – Anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic products (Image of ibuprofen)
- M02 – Topical products for joint and muscular pain (Image of diclofenac gel)
- M03 – Muscle relaxants (Image of cyclobenzaprine)
- M04 – Antigout preparations (Image of allopurinol)
9. Nervous System:
- N01 – Anti-parkinsonism drugs (Image of levodopa)
- N02 – Psycholeptics (Image of antidepressants)
- N03 – Hypnotics and sedatives (Image of zolpidem)
- N04 – Analgesics (Image of morphine)
- N05 – Antipsychotics (Image of risperidone)
10. Respiratory System:
- R01 – Antibacterials for systemic use
- R02 – Antifungals for systemic use
- R03 – Antiparasitic products, insecticides and repellents
- R04 – Antivirals
- R05 – Cough and cold preparations
11. Sensory Organs:
- S01 – Ophthalmological preparations (Image of eye drops)
- S02 – Otological preparations (Image of ear drops)
12. Various:
- V01 – General antiseptics and disinfectants
- V03 – Stomatological preparations (Image of mouthwash)
- V04 – Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals (Image of PET scan)
This list is just a glimpse into the vast array of therapeutic groups. Each group further branches out into subgroups based on specific mechanisms of action and target conditions.
Suggested readings:
Final Year B Pharm Notes, Syllabus, Books, PDF Subjectwise/Topicwise
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