ATC code C

ATC code C refers to the section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (ATC) that deals with medications used in cardiovascular therapies. This classification system, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), is used worldwide to facilitate the organization and classification of medicinal products. It divides drugs into different groups according to the organ or system on which they act and their therapeutic, pharmacological, and chemical properties.

Structure

The ATC classification system is divided into several different groups, with the "C" code focusing specifically on cardiovascular drugs. This group is further subdivided into several sections, each targeting different aspects of cardiovascular therapy:

• C01 - Cardiac therapy: Includes drugs used specifically for treating heart-related ailments, such as cardiac glycosides, antiarrhythmics, and other drugs that have a direct effect on heart function.
• C02 - Antihypertensives: Comprises medications used to manage hypertension or high blood pressure.
• C03 - Diuretics: Encompasses drugs that promote the excretion of urine, commonly used to treat hypertension and edema.
• C04 - Peripheral vasodilators: Includes drugs that cause blood vessels to expand, thereby increasing blood flow to peripheral areas of the body.
• C05 - Vasoprotectives: Medications in this category are used to protect the vascular system, often used in the treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
• C07 - Beta blocking agents: Beta-blockers are used to manage arrhythmias, protect the heart after a heart attack, and treat hypertension.
• C08 - Calcium channel blockers: These drugs prevent calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, thereby reducing blood pressure.
• C09 - Agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system: Includes medications that affect the body’s renin-angiotensin system, crucial in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid balance.
• C10 - Lipid modifying agents: Drugs that are used to lower lipid levels in the blood, such as statins, which are commonly prescribed to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Usage

Drugs classified under ATC code C are primarily used in the treatment and management of diseases and conditions affecting the cardiovascular system. These include heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmias, and conditions related to poor blood flow and high cholesterol levels. The classification helps in the systematic research and development of new drugs, as well as in the study of pharmacoeconomics and pharmacoepidemiology.

Importance

The categorization of cardiovascular drugs under the ATC code C is crucial for healthcare professionals to prescribe and manage medications effectively. It aids in ensuring that treatments are specific to the disease and the patient’s condition, thereby increasing the efficacy and safety of cardiovascular therapies.