Term: Drug Classification Systems

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2005-11-24

Definition:

Two systems used to classify or group drugs include: 1) the American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) Pharmacologic-Therapeutic Classification System and 2) the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System. The AHFS system is more commonly used in North America, while the ATC system is more commonly used by European countries.

Related concepts 

• American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) Pharmacologic-Therapeutic Classification System
• Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System

Related terms 

• American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) Pharmacologic-Therapeutic Classification System
• Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Drug Classification System
• Drug Identification Number (DIN)
• Formulary

References 

• Metge C, Black C, Peterson S, Kozyrskyj A, Roos NP, Bogdanovic B. Analysis of Patterns of Pharmaceutical Use in Manitoba, 1996: Key Findings - A POPULIS Project. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Evaluation, 1999. [Report] [Summary] (View)
• Metge C, Black C, Peterson S, Kozyrskyj AL. The population's use of pharmaceuticals. Med Care 1999;37(6 Suppl):JS42-JS59. [Abstract] (View)