Guidelines for ATC classification and DDD assignment - WHOCC

B BLOOD AND BLOOD FORMING ORGANS
B01 ANTITHROMBOTIC AGENTS
B01A ANTITHROMBOTIC AGENTS
B01AA Vitamin K antagonists
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This group comprises vitamin K antagonists such as dicoumarol,
warfarin etc.
The DDDs are based on prophylaxis of thrombosis.
B01AB Heparin group
This group comprises heparin preparations, including products for nontherapeutic
use, e.g. for rinsing of indwelling vein cannulas. Heparin
sodium and heparin calcium are classified at the same 5th level, i.e.
B01AB01. The low molecular weight heparins are classified at separate
5th levels.
The DDDs of nonfractionated heparin and antithrombin are based
on prophylaxis of thrombosis and pulmonary emboli, and given in
international units (U). The DDDs for the different low molecular
weight heparins are assigned according to their recommended dose
in prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis in moderate risk patients.
Since the anti Xa activity is a major determinant of the
anticoagulant activity of low molecular weight heparins the DDDs
are given in international units based on anti Xa activity.
B01AC Platelet aggregation inhibitors excl. heparin
Acetylsalicylic acid preparations specifically intended for use as
antithrombotic agents are classified in this group. This exception from
the basic principle of only one code for each route of administration is
made because of the extensive use of acetylsalicylic acid both as an
antithrombotic agent and as an analgesic. Whether an acetylsalicylic
acid product should be classified in this group or in N02BA, should be
decided at the national level based on the main indication of the product.