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A ALIMENTARY TRACT AND METABOLISM
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.


A03D ANTISPASMODICS IN COMBINATION WITH ANALGESICS

This group is completely parallel to A03C.
The classification at the 5th levels is based on the antispasmodic component. At each 5th level several analgesics may occur. Antispasmodics in combination with analgesics and other drugs (excl. psycholeptics) are classified in this group.
When classifying these combination products, it is necessary to look at the indications and the composition to see if the preparation should be classified in A03 or in N02 - Analgesics.
Opioid analgesics in combination with antispasmodics, see N02AG - Opioids in combination with antispasmodics. Ethylmorphine is not regarded as a narcotic in this context.
Antispasmodics in combination with psycholeptics and analgesics are classified in A03EA.


A03DA Synthetic anticholinergic agents in combination with analgesics

General comments, see A03D.
Combinations with more than one antispasmodic are classified in a ranking according to the ATC code. A substance classified in A03DA01 takes precedence over a substance classified in A03DA02 etc.
Combinations containing codeine are classified here, provided the codeine content is less than 20 mg. See also N02AA.
Combinations of trospium and analgesics are classified here.


List of abbreviations

Last updated: 2024-01-26