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A ALIMENTARY TRACT AND METABOLISM

A01 STOMATOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS
A02 DRUGS FOR ACID RELATED DISORDERS
A03 DRUGS FOR FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS

A major part of the preparations in this group are combined preparations. Preparations containing e.g. analgesics and antispasmodics could be classified either in this group or in N02 - Analgesics. Combinations of psycholeptics and antispasmodics could be classified in A03 or in N05 - Psycholeptics etc. The main indication for the use of the combination will, together with the relative effect of the active components, decide the classification. In the treatment of pain caused by spasms, the spasmolytic component must be judged as more important than the analgesic component. Accordingly, analgesic/antispasmodic combinations should be classified in A03 if the main effect of the preparation is the antispasmodic action.
Combined preparations are classified in:
A03C - Antispasmodics in combination with psycholeptics
A03D - Antispasmodics in combination with analgesics
A03E - Antispasmodics and anticholinergics in combination with other drugs
Antispasmodics, which are used specifically in the urogenital tractus, are classified in G04BD - Drugs for urinary frequency and incontinence.

The DDD for the substances is usually equal for different routes of administration (oral, parenteral or rectal) of the same compound and is based on the oral dose.

A04 ANTIEMETICS AND ANTINAUSEANTS
A05 BILE AND LIVER THERAPY
A06 DRUGS FOR CONSTIPATION
A07 ANTIDIARRHEALS, INTESTINAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY/ANTIINFECTIVE AGENTS
A08 ANTIOBESITY PREPARATIONS, EXCL. DIET PRODUCTS
A09 DIGESTIVES, INCL. ENZYMES
A10 DRUGS USED IN DIABETES
A11 VITAMINS

Vitamins constitute a comprehensive group of therapeutic and prophylactic preparations. Before classifying any product it is important to be familiar with the main subdivision of the group.
It may be necessary to consider whether a product is a vitamin preparation with iron or an iron preparation with vitamins, a mineral preparation with vitamins or a vitamin preparation with minerals, or if the product should be regarded as a tonic etc. As an aid to such considerations, guidelines are given at each sublevel.
Vitamin B12 is classified in B03 - Antianemic preparations.
Vitamin K is classified in B02 - Antihemorrhagics.
Vitamins administered as i.v. solution additives, see B05XC.
Some definitions:
Multivitamins: Products containing minimum vitamins A, B, C and D. One B-vitamin is sufficient.


B-complex: Products containing minimum thiamine, riboflavine, pyridoxine, nicotinamide. The products may contain other B-vitamins.
Combinations of vitamins, vitamins with minerals or other substances that do not belong to other 4th levels and are mainly indicated as food supplements, see A11J.

A12 MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS

This group contains mineral supplements used for treatment of mineral deficiency. All parenteral solutions of electrolytes are classified in B05B or in B05X. Magnesium carbonate used for treatment of mineral deficiency is classified in A02AA01.

A13 TONICS
A14 ANABOLIC AGENTS FOR SYSTEMIC USE
A15 APPETITE STIMULANTS

This group comprises preparations only used as appetite stimulants.
A number of drugs with other main actions may have appetite stimulating properties.
Cyproheptadine, also used as an appetite stimulant in children, is classified in R06AX. Pizotifen is classified in N02CX.
Megestrol is classified in L02AB.

No DDDs are established in this group.

A16 OTHER ALIMENTARY TRACT AND METABOLISM PRODUCTS

Last updated: 2024-01-26