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This group comprises general analgesics and antipyretics.

All salicylic acid derivatives except combinations with corticosteroids are classified in N02BA - Salicylic acid and derivatives, as it is difficult to differentiate between the use of salicylates in rheumatic conditions and other therapeutic uses of salicylates.

All ibuprofen preparations are classified in M01A, even if they are only intended for use as pain relief.

Salicylic acid derivatives in combination with corticosteroids are classified in M01B.

There are a number of combined preparations, which contain analgesics and psycholeptics. These are classified in N02, as pain relief must be regarded as the main indication. Analgesics used for specific indications are classified in the respective ATC groups. E.g.:

A03D/
A03EA - Antispasmodic/psycholeptics/analgesic combinations
M01 - Antiinflammatory and antirheumatic products
M02A - Topical products for joint and muscular pain
M03 - Muscle relaxants

See comments to these groups.

Lidocaine indicated for postherpetic pain is classified in N01BB.

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.

Fentanyl patches are classified in this group whereas parenteral formulations are classified in N01AH.

The transdermal DDD for fentanyl is based on the amount delivered per 24 hours.

ATC code	Name	DDD	U	Adm.R	Note
N02AB01	ketobemidone	50	mg	O
		50	mg	P
N02AB02	pethidine	0.4	g	O
		0.4	g	P
		0.4	g	R
N02AB03	fentanyl	0.6	mg	SL
		0.6	mg	N
		1.2	mg	TD
N02AB52	pethidine, combinations excl. psycholeptics
N02AB72	pethidine, combinations with psycholeptics

List of abbreviations