C CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM C01 CARDIAC THERAPY C02 ANTIHYPERTENSIVES See also C03 - Diuretics, C07 - Beta blocking agents, C08 - Calcium channel blockers and C09 - Agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system. Antihypertensives are mainly classified at 3rd levels according to the mechanism of action. Most headings are self-explanatory: C02A Antiadrenergic agents, centrally acting C02B Antiadrenergic agents, ganglion-blocking C02C Antiadrenergic agents, peripherally acting C02D Arteriolar smooth muscle, agents acting on C02K Other antihypertensives C02L Antihypertensives and diuretics in combination C02N Combinations of antihypertensives in ATC gr. C02 The oral DDDs are based on the average doses needed to reduce the blood pressure to a normal level in patients with mild-moderate hypertension. Parenteral DDDs are based on dosages used for the treatment of hypertensive crises and are based on the content of the active ingredient pr. vial (ampoule). C03 DIURETICS This group comprises diuretics, plain and in combination with potassium or other agents. Vasopressin antagonists are also included in this group. Potassium-sparing agents are classified in C03D and C03E. Combinations with digitalis glycosides, see C01AA. Combinations with antihypertensives, see C02L - Antihypertensives and diuretics in combination. Combinations with beta blocking agents, see C07B - C07D. Combinations with calcium channel blockers, see C08. Combinations with agents acting on the renin angiotensin system, see C09B and C09D. The DDDs for diuretics are based on monotherapy. Most diuretics are used both for the treatment of edema and hypertension in similar doses and the DDDs are therefore based on both indications. The DDDs for combinations correspond to the DDD for the diuretic component, except for ATC group C03E, see comments under this level. C04 PERIPHERAL VASODILATORS C05 VASOPROTECTIVES No DDDs are established in this group, since most of the drugs in this group are for topical use. C07 BETA BLOCKING AGENTS C08 CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS The calcium channel blockers are classified according to selectivity of calcium channel activity and direct cardiac effects. The ATC 4th levels are subdivided according to chemical structure. Combinations with ergot alkaloids (C04AE) are classified in this group by using the 50-series. Combinations with diuretics are classified in C08G. Combinations with ACE inhibitors are classified in C09BB. Combinations with beta blocking agents are classified in C07F. The DDDs for calcium channel blockers are based on the treatment of mild-moderate hypertension, although some are used for other indications (e.g. angina pectoris). The DDDs for oral and parenteral preparations are equal and are based on the oral dose, since oral preparations represent the major fraction of the total consumption. C09 AGENTS ACTING ON THE RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM The DDDs are based on the treatment of mild-moderate hypertension. See comments to C02L concerning the principles for assignment of DDDs for combined preparations. C10 LIPID MODIFYING AGENTS The DDDs are based on the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Classification of drugs affecting the cardiovascular system.

Sirarat Sarntivijai