C02L
ANTIHYPERTENSIVES AND DIURETICS IN COMBINATION
ATC/DDD code C02L for ANTIHYPERTENSIVES AND DIURETICS IN COMBINATION
All substances classified in groups C02A-K, in combination with diuretics are classified in this group. At each 5th level, various combinations containing e.g. different diuretics, other antihypertensives or potassium may occur.
Combinations with beta blocking agents, see comments under C07.
Diuretics in combination with calcium channel blockers are classified in C08.
Diuretics in combination with ACE inhibitors, are classified in C09BA.
Diuretics in combination with angiotensin II antagonists are classified in C09DA.
The need for a systematic approach to classify combinations of different antihypertensives has resulted in a ranking according to the ATC codes.
Substances classified in ATC group C02AA take precedence over C02AB and substances in C02A take precedence over C02B etc.
Example: A combined preparation containing bietaserpine, hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide will be given the code C02LA07 according to the above mentioned ranking.
Combinations with psycholeptics are classified at separate 5th levels using the corresponding 70-series.
It has been considered most appropriate to assign fixed DDDs based on the average use of the different combinations without considering and comparing the strengths of the various components. 1 tablet is the fixed DDD for products given once daily whereas the fixed DDD for products given twice daily and three times daily is respectively 2 tablets and 3 tablets. The assigned DDDs cannot always be compared with the DDDs assigned for plain preparations.
ICD-10 International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision