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N NERVOUS SYSTEM
N02 ANALGESICS

This group comprises general analgesics and antipyretics.
All salicylic acid derivatives except combinations with corticosteroids (M01B) or opioids (N02AJ) 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 plain ibuprofen preparations are classified in M01A, even if they are only intended for use as pain relief.
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.


N02A OPIOIDS

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 or in postoperative pain, is classified in N01AH.
Fentanyl in combination with bupivacaine used in e.g. postoperative pain is classified in N01AH51 - fentanyl, combinations.
Combinations with antispasmodics are classified in N02AG.

The DDDs in this group are based on the treatment of pain.
The DDD for oral morphine is higher than the parenteral DDD because of lower bioavailability.


N02AB Phenylpiperidine derivatives

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
    N02AB03 fentanyl 0.6 mg 
    0.6 mg SL 
    1.2 mg TD 

List of abbreviations

Last updated: 2024-01-26