Can someone explain what the drug classification system is please?
Two systems are commonly used in drug utilization studies to classify/group drugs, or Drug Identification Numbers. Both systems require updating on a regular reason. ATC (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical) Classification System – MCHP concept: ATC system AHFS (American Hospital Formulary System) Pharmacologic-Therapeutic Classification System (R) – MCHP concept: AHFS system The AHFS system of classification is more commonly used in North America while the ATC system of classification is more commonly used contained by European countries. The primary differences between the AHFS and the ATC systems are that the ATC system is: a) able to more finely group drugs (or their DINs) and b) includes information on the defined day by day dose (DDD). The AHFS system uses a three-level step-up/step-down method for grouping drugs while the ATC system uses a five-level step-up/step-down method.
