Guidelines for ATC classification and DDD assignment - WHOCC

Antibiotics for systemic use, see J01.
R02AD Anesthetics, local
This group comprises e.g. throat lozenges containing local anesthetics.
Dental anesthetics for local application are classified in N01B -
Anesthetics, local.
Combinations of anesthetics and antiseptics/antibiotics are classified in
R02AA/R02AB respectively.
R02AX Other throat preparations
R03 DRUGS FOR OBSTRUCTIVE AIRWAY DISEASES
R03A ADRENERGICS, INHALANTS
It is complicated to decide DDDs for the different dosage forms
and even the different inhalation devices of the same dosage form.
It has been shown that certain inhalation devices give a better
deposition of the active ingredient in the lungs. This gives a better
clinical effect, and therefore the active ingredients can be used in
lower dosages. It has been decided not to take this aspect into
consideration when assigning DDDs in this group, since the picture
is very complex and satisfactory comparative documentation is not
always available. Accordingly, only one DDD is assigned for one
dosage form of a substance (e.g. powder inhalation).
For some substances, the labelling of the strength of identical
inhalation products may differ between countries. In some
countries, metered dose (measured as the amount of substance
released from the inhaler with the mouthpiece removed) is used
while in other countries delivered dose (measured as the amount of
substance released from the inhaler with the mouthpiece in place) is
used in the labelling. Delivered dose will usually be lower than
metered dose. This is important to take into considerations when
linking DDD information to the products in the different countries.
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