Guidelines for ATC classification and DDD assignment - WHOCC

J01C BETA-LACTAM ANTIBACTERIALS, PENICILLINS
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This group comprises penicillin beta-lactam antibacterials, inhibiting the
bacterial cell wall synthesis. Combinations of penicillins from different
4th levels, including beta-lactamase inhibitors, are classified in J01CR.
J01CA Penicillins with extended spectrum
This group comprises penicillins with enhanced activity against gram
negative rods, e.g. ampicillin and similar antibiotics.
The esters, for instance pivampicillin and pivmecillinam, have a
higher bioavailability and thus a lower DDD than the
corresponding non-ester compounds.
The DDDs for some of the compounds, for instance carbenicillin,
piperacillin, ticarcillin and sulbenicillin, are based on the dosages
used for narrow indications, i.e. life threatening infections.
J01CE Beta-lactamase sensitive penicillins
Benzylpenicillin and phenoxymethylpenicillin have different DDDs
due to differences in indications, route of administration and
bioavailability. The DDDs for the combination of benzylpenicillin
and procaine penicillin is based on the treatment of syphilis, see list
of DDDs for combination products, www.whocc.no.
J01CF Beta-lactamase resistant penicillins
J01CG Beta-lactamase inhibitors
The DDD for sulbactam is based on its use together with
ampicillin, usually in a dose ratio of 1:2 respectively.
J01CR Combinations of penicillins, incl. beta-lactamase inhibitors
This group comprises combinations of penicillins and/or beta-lactamase
inhibitors. Combinations containing one penicillin and enzyme inhibitor
are classified at different 5th levels according to the penicillin.
Combinations of two or more penicillins with or without enzyme