Glossary

A globally recognized alphanumeric coding system maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO) that categorizes active pharmaceutical ingredients. It classifies drugs into different groups based on the specific organ or anatomical system they act upon, as well as their therapeutic, pharmacological, and chemical properties.

Example: The ATC code for ibuprofen is M01AE01. The "M" indicates it acts on the musculo-skeletal system, "01" designates it as an anti-inflammatory/antirheumatic, and the remaining characters drill down to its specific chemical subgroup and substance.