Medications · taxonomy

Medication classes by therapeutic area

The medication taxonomy: 31 therapeutic areas and 536 pharmacologic classes mapped to WHO ATC codes, with the drug-class pages and medicines this site covers in each.

Classification works across several dimensions at once: therapeutic area, pharmacologic class, mechanism, body system, active ingredient, brand, product type, dosage form, route and regulatory status. This page is the therapeutic and pharmacologic dimension. Example medicines show what a class contains; they are separate medicines, never synonyms of one another. Classes with a page are linked; the rest are catalogued until a page can be written to the quality standard.

Drug Interaction CheckerDrug class pages A–ZMedicines A–Z

Cardiovascular C

Medicines for blood pressure, heart failure, rhythm disorders, angina and cholesterol.

AmlodipineAtorvastatinBisoprololClopidogrelFurosemideGlyceryl trinitrateLisinoprilLosartanMetoprolol and beta blockersRamiprilRosuvastatin

Hypertension and angina

Heart failure

  • SGLT2 inhibitors (heart failure) A10BK
    e.g. dapagliflozin, empagliflozin
  • Hydralazine and nitrate combinations
    e.g. hydralazine with isosorbide dinitrate
  • Digoxin C01AA05
    e.g. digoxin
  • Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators C02KX05
    e.g. vericiguat, riociguat

Arrhythmia

Lipid lowering

  • Statins C10AA
    AtorvastatinRosuvastatin
  • Ezetimibe C10AX09
    e.g. ezetimibe
  • PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies C10AX
    e.g. evolocumab, alirocumab
  • PCSK9-directed siRNA C10AX16
    e.g. inclisiran
  • Fibrates C10AB
    e.g. fenofibrate, bezafibrate
  • Bile-acid sequestrants C10AC
    e.g. colestyramine, colesevelam
  • Niacin C10AD02
    e.g. nicotinic acid
  • Prescription omega-3 products C10AX06
    e.g. icosapent ethyl, omega-3-acid ethyl esters
  • ATP-citrate lyase inhibitors C10AX15
    e.g. bempedoic acid

Anticoagulants, antiplatelets & haematology B

Medicines that prevent or treat clots, dissolve them, stop platelets sticking, replace iron and vitamins, stimulate blood-cell production or control bleeding.

Apixaban and DOACsAspirinClopidogrelWarfarin

Anticoagulants

Antiplatelets

Anaemia and blood-cell production

  • Iron products B03A
    e.g. ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, iron sucrose
  • Folate products B03BB
    e.g. folic acid
  • Vitamin B12 products B03BA
    e.g. hydroxocobalamin, cyanocobalamin
  • Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents B03XA
    e.g. epoetin alfa, darbepoetin alfa
  • Colony-stimulating factors L03AA
    e.g. filgrastim, pegfilgrastim
  • Thrombopoietin-receptor agonists B02BX
    e.g. eltrombopag, romiplostim

Bleeding and clotting factors

  • Clotting-factor replacements B02BD
    e.g. factor VIII, factor IX, emicizumab
  • Von Willebrand factor products B02BD10
  • Antifibrinolytics B02AA
    e.g. tranexamic acid
  • Haemostatic agents B02B
    e.g. vitamin K (phytomenadione), protamine

Diabetes A10

Insulins by duration of action, the non-insulin glucose-lowering classes, fixed-dose combinations and rescue products for hypoglycaemia.

InsulinMetformin

Insulins

Non-insulin glucose-lowering medicines

  • Biguanides A10BA
    Metformin
  • Sulfonylureas A10BB
    e.g. gliclazide, glimepiride, glipizide
  • Meglitinides A10BX
    e.g. repaglinide, nateglinide
  • Thiazolidinediones A10BG
    e.g. pioglitazone
  • DPP-4 inhibitors A10BH
    e.g. sitagliptin, linagliptin, alogliptin
  • GLP-1 receptor agonists A10BJ
    e.g. semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide
  • Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists A10BX
    e.g. tirzepatide
  • SGLT2 inhibitors A10BK
    e.g. dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, canagliflozin
  • Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors A10BF
    e.g. acarbose
  • Amylin analogues A10BX
    e.g. pramlintide
  • Other glucose-lowering classes A10BX
  • Fixed-dose combination diabetes medicines A10BD
    e.g. metformin with sitagliptin, metformin with empagliflozin

Rescue products

  • Glucagon rescue products H04AA01
    e.g. glucagon, dasiglucagon
  • Glucose rescue products V06DC01
    e.g. oral glucose gel, intravenous glucose

Thyroid, adrenal & hormonal H

Replacement and suppression of thyroid, adrenal, pituitary and parathyroid hormones.

LevothyroxinePrednisolone and steroids

Thyroid

Adrenal and corticosteroids

Pituitary and growth

  • Growth hormone H01AC
    e.g. somatropin
  • Growth-hormone antagonists H01AX01
    e.g. pegvisomant
  • Somatostatin analogues H01CB
    e.g. octreotide, lanreotide
  • Dopamine agonists for prolactin disorders G02CB
    e.g. cabergoline, bromocriptine
  • Vasopressin analogues H01BA
    e.g. desmopressin
  • Vasopressin antagonists C03XA
    e.g. tolvaptan

Parathyroid and calcium

  • Parathyroid hormone analogues H05AA
    e.g. teriparatide
  • Calcimimetics H05BX
    e.g. cinacalcet, etelcalcetide

Gastrointestinal A

Acid, reflux and ulcer medicines, antiemetics, laxatives and antidiarrhoeals, inflammatory bowel disease therapies, pancreatic and liver products.

ClarithromycinOmeprazole

Acid, reflux and ulcer

  • Antacids A02A
    e.g. aluminium hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate
  • H2 receptor antagonists A02BA
    e.g. famotidine, nizatidine
  • Proton-pump inhibitors A02BC
    Omeprazole
  • Potassium-competitive acid blockers A02BX
    e.g. vonoprazan
  • Mucosal protectants A02BX
    e.g. sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate
  • Prostaglandin analogues (gastric) A02BB
    e.g. misoprostol

Antiemetics

Bowel and motility

  • Bulk-forming laxatives A06AC
    e.g. ispaghula husk, methylcellulose
  • Osmotic laxatives A06AD
    e.g. macrogol, lactulose
  • Stimulant laxatives A06AB
    e.g. senna, bisacodyl
  • Stool softeners A06AA
    e.g. docusate
  • Intestinal secretagogues A06AX
    e.g. linaclotide, lubiprostone
  • Peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonists A06AH
    e.g. naloxegol, methylnaltrexone
  • Antidiarrhoeals A07D
    e.g. loperamide
  • Bile-acid binders A05AA
    e.g. colestyramine
  • Antispasmodics A03A
    e.g. mebeverine, hyoscine butylbromide
  • Prokinetics A03FA
    e.g. metoclopramide, prucalopride

Inflammatory bowel disease

  • Aminosalicylates A07EC
    e.g. mesalazine, sulfasalazine
  • Corticosteroids (IBD) A07EA
    Beclometasone (inhaled)Inhaled corticosteroidsPrednisolone and steroids
  • Immunomodulators (IBD) L04AX
    e.g. azathioprine, mercaptopurine
  • TNF inhibitors L04AB
    e.g. infliximab, adalimumab
  • Integrin-targeted therapies L04AA
    e.g. vedolizumab
  • Interleukin-targeted biologics (IBD) L04AC
    e.g. ustekinumab, risankizumab
  • JAK inhibitors (IBD) L04AA
    e.g. tofacitinib, upadacitinib
  • S1P receptor modulators (IBD) L04AA
    e.g. ozanimod, etrasimod

Pancreas and liver

  • Pancreatic enzymes A09AA02
    e.g. pancreatin
  • Bile-acid products A05AA
    e.g. ursodeoxycholic acid, obeticholic acid
  • Ammonia-lowering medicines A06AD11
    e.g. lactulose, rifaximin
  • Liver-disease therapies A05

Respiratory R

Bronchodilators, inhaled and systemic anti-inflammatory medicines, biologics for severe asthma, cough and mucus medicines, pulmonary hypertension and cystic fibrosis therapies.

Beclometasone (inhaled)Influenza vaccineInhaled corticosteroidsPrednisolone and steroidsSalbutamol

Bronchodilators

Anti-inflammatory

Biologics for airway disease

  • Anti-IgE biologics R03DX05
    e.g. omalizumab
  • Anti-IL-5 and IL-5 receptor biologics R03DX
    e.g. mepolizumab, benralizumab
  • Anti-IL-4 receptor biologics D11AH05
    e.g. dupilumab
  • Anti-TSLP biologics R03DX11
    e.g. tezepelumab

Cough, mucus and other

  • Cough suppressants R05D
    e.g. dextromethorphan, codeine (cough)
  • Expectorants R05CA
    e.g. guaifenesin
  • Mucolytics R05CB
    e.g. carbocisteine, acetylcysteine
  • Pulmonary-hypertension medicines C02KX
    e.g. sildenafil, bosentan, macitentan
  • Cystic-fibrosis CFTR modulators R07AX
    e.g. elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor
  • Pulmonary surfactants R07AA
    e.g. poractant alfa

Allergy R06

Antihistamines, nasal sprays, mast-cell stabilisers, decongestants, adrenaline for anaphylaxis, immunotherapy and biologics used in allergic disease.

Cetirizine and antihistaminesChlorphenamine

Allergy medicines

Pain & analgesia N02, M01

Simple analgesics, anti-inflammatories, opioids and their antagonists, medicines for nerve pain, local anaesthetics and migraine treatments.

AspirinIbuprofenMorphine and opioidsOxycodoneParacetamolTramadol

Non-opioid analgesics

Opioids

Neuropathic pain and adjuncts

  • Gabapentinoids N02BF
    e.g. gabapentin, pregabalin
  • Antidepressants used for neuropathic pain N06A
    e.g. amitriptyline, duloxetine
  • Topical analgesics M02A
    e.g. topical NSAID gel, capsaicin cream, lidocaine plaster
  • Local anaesthetics N01B
    e.g. lidocaine, bupivacaine

Migraine

  • Acute migraine medicines N02CC
    e.g. sumatriptan, rizatriptan
  • Migraine preventive medicines N02CD
    e.g. propranolol, topiramate, erenumab

Neurology N

Antiseizure medicines, treatments for Parkinson disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis and migraine.

Antiseizure medicines

  • Sodium-channel modulators N03AB
    e.g. carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin
  • SV2A ligands N03AX14
    e.g. levetiracetam, brivaracetam
  • Calcium-channel-modulating antiseizure medicines N03AX
    e.g. ethosuximide, gabapentin
  • Glutamate-modulating antiseizure medicines N03AX22
    e.g. perampanel
  • Broad-spectrum antiseizure medicines N03AG
    e.g. valproate, topiramate

Parkinson disease

  • Levodopa combinations N04BA
    e.g. co-careldopa, co-beneldopa
  • Dopamine agonists N04BC
    e.g. ropinirole, pramipexole, rotigotine
  • MAO-B inhibitors N04BD
    e.g. rasagiline, selegiline
  • COMT inhibitors N04BX
    e.g. entacapone, opicapone
  • Amantadine N04BB01
    e.g. amantadine
  • Anticholinergics (Parkinson disease) N04A
    e.g. trihexyphenidyl
  • Adenosine A2A antagonists N04CX01
    e.g. istradefylline

Dementia

  • Cholinesterase inhibitors N06DA
    e.g. donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine
  • NMDA antagonists N06DX01
    e.g. memantine
  • Disease-modifying antibodies for Alzheimer disease N06DX
    e.g. lecanemab, donanemab

Multiple sclerosis

  • Interferons (multiple sclerosis) L03AB
    e.g. interferon beta
  • Glatiramer L03AX13
    e.g. glatiramer acetate
  • S1P receptor modulators L04AA
    e.g. fingolimod, siponimod
  • Fumarates L04AX
    e.g. dimethyl fumarate
  • Monoclonal antibodies (multiple sclerosis) L04AA
    e.g. ocrelizumab, natalizumab, ofatumumab
  • Immune-reconstitution therapies L04AA
    e.g. cladribine, alemtuzumab

Migraine

  • Triptans N02CC
    e.g. sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
  • Ergot derivatives N02CA
    e.g. ergotamine
  • CGRP receptor antagonists (gepants) N02CD
    e.g. rimegepant, atogepant
  • CGRP monoclonal antibodies N02CD
    e.g. erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab
  • Ditans N02CC08
    e.g. lasmiditan
  • Other migraine preventives N02C
    e.g. propranolol, topiramate, amitriptyline

Psychiatry N05, N06

Antidepressants, anxiolytics and sedatives, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, ADHD medicines and treatments for substance use.

CitalopramSertraline and SSRIs

Antidepressants

  • SSRIs N06AB
    CitalopramSertraline and SSRIs
  • SNRIs N06AX
    e.g. venlafaxine, duloxetine
  • Tricyclic antidepressants N06AA
    e.g. amitriptyline, nortriptyline
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors N06AF
    e.g. phenelzine, moclobemide
  • Atypical antidepressants N06AX
    e.g. mirtazapine, bupropion
  • Serotonin modulators N06AX
    e.g. trazodone, vortioxetine

Anxiety and sedation

Antipsychotics and mood stabilisers

  • First-generation antipsychotics N05AA
    e.g. haloperidol, chlorpromazine
  • Second-generation antipsychotics N05AH
    e.g. olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone
  • Dopamine partial agonists N05AX12
    e.g. aripiprazole
  • Lithium N05AN01
    e.g. lithium
  • Valproate (mood) N03AG01
    e.g. valproate
  • Carbamazepine (mood) N03AF01
    e.g. carbamazepine
  • Lamotrigine (mood) N03AX09
    e.g. lamotrigine

ADHD

  • Amphetamine stimulants N06BA
    e.g. lisdexamfetamine, dexamfetamine
  • Methylphenidate stimulants N06BA04
    e.g. methylphenidate
  • Norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (ADHD) N06BA09
    e.g. atomoxetine
  • Alpha-2 agonists (ADHD) C02AC
    e.g. guanfacine, clonidine

Substance-use treatment

  • Opioid-use-disorder medicines N07BC
    e.g. methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone
  • Alcohol-use-disorder medicines N07BB
    e.g. acamprosate, naltrexone, disulfiram
  • Nicotine-replacement therapy N07BA01
    e.g. nicotine patches, gum and sprays
  • Smoking-cessation medicines N07BA
    e.g. varenicline, bupropion, cytisine

Anaesthetics & perioperative N01

Medicines used to numb, sedate and anaesthetise, relax muscles, reverse those effects and support the circulation around surgery.

Anaesthetics

  • Local anaesthetics N01B
    e.g. lidocaine, bupivacaine, ropivacaine
  • Intravenous general anaesthetics N01AX
    e.g. propofol, ketamine, etomidate
  • Inhalational anaesthetics N01AB
    e.g. sevoflurane, desflurane, nitrous oxide
  • Sedatives (perioperative) N05C
    e.g. midazolam, dexmedetomidine

Muscle relaxation and reversal

  • Neuromuscular blockers M03A
    e.g. rocuronium, suxamethonium, atracurium
  • Reversal agents V03AB
    e.g. sugammadex, neostigmine

Perioperative support

  • Perioperative analgesics N02
  • Antiemetics (perioperative) A04
    e.g. ondansetron, dexamethasone
  • Vasopressors C01CA
    e.g. noradrenaline, phenylephrine, metaraminol
  • Inotropes C01CA
    e.g. dobutamine, adrenaline
  • Anticholinergics (anaesthesia) A03BA
    e.g. atropine, glycopyrronium
  • Anaesthetic adjuncts N01A

Antibiotics J01

Every major antibacterial class, systemic and topical.

AmoxicillinAzithromycinClarithromycin

Beta-lactams

Other classes

  • Macrolides J01FA
    AzithromycinClarithromycin
  • Ketolides J01FA15
    e.g. telithromycin
  • Tetracyclines J01AA
    e.g. doxycycline, minocycline
  • Glycylcyclines J01AA12
    e.g. tigecycline
  • Aminoglycosides J01G
    e.g. gentamicin, amikacin, tobramycin
  • Fluoroquinolones J01MA
    e.g. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin
  • Sulfonamides J01EC
    e.g. sulfamethoxazole
  • Trimethoprim combinations J01EE
    e.g. co-trimoxazole, trimethoprim
  • Lincosamides J01FF
    e.g. clindamycin
  • Glycopeptides J01XA
    e.g. vancomycin, teicoplanin
  • Lipoglycopeptides J01XA
    e.g. dalbavancin
  • Oxazolidinones J01XX08
    e.g. linezolid, tedizolid
  • Polymyxins J01XB
    e.g. colistin
  • Nitroimidazoles J01XD
    e.g. metronidazole, tinidazole
  • Nitrofurans J01XE
    e.g. nitrofurantoin
  • Rifamycins J04AB
    e.g. rifampicin, rifaximin
  • Fosfomycin J01XX01
    e.g. fosfomycin
  • Pleuromutilins J01XX12
    e.g. lefamulin
  • Streptogramins J01FG
    e.g. quinupristin/dalfopristin
  • Other antibacterial agents J01X
    e.g. daptomycin, fidaxomicin, mupirocin (topical)

Antivirals J05

Medicines against herpesviruses, influenza, hepatitis B and C, HIV, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV.

Herpesviruses and influenza

  • HSV and VZV antivirals J05AB
    e.g. aciclovir, valaciclovir, famciclovir
  • CMV antivirals J05AB
    e.g. ganciclovir, valganciclovir, letermovir
  • Neuraminidase inhibitors J05AH
    e.g. oseltamivir, zanamivir
  • Influenza polymerase inhibitors J05AX25
    e.g. baloxavir
  • Other influenza antivirals J05A

Hepatitis

  • Hepatitis B nucleos(t)ide analogues J05AF
    e.g. tenofovir, entecavir
  • Interferon-based therapies L03AB
    e.g. peginterferon alfa
  • HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors J05AP
    e.g. glecaprevir, grazoprevir
  • HCV NS5A inhibitors J05AP
    e.g. ledipasvir, velpatasvir, pibrentasvir
  • HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors J05AP08
    e.g. sofosbuvir
  • HCV combination regimens J05AP
    e.g. sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir

HIV

  • Nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors J05AF
    e.g. tenofovir, emtricitabine, lamivudine, abacavir
  • Non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors J05AG
    e.g. efavirenz, rilpivirine, doravirine
  • HIV protease inhibitors J05AE
    e.g. darunavir, atazanavir
  • Integrase inhibitors J05AJ
    e.g. dolutegravir, bictegravir, raltegravir
  • Fusion inhibitors J05AX07
    e.g. enfuvirtide
  • CCR5 antagonists J05AX09
    e.g. maraviroc
  • Post-attachment inhibitors J05AX
    e.g. ibalizumab
  • Capsid inhibitors J05AX
    e.g. lenacapavir
  • Pharmacokinetic boosters V03AX
    e.g. cobicistat, ritonavir (booster)
  • Fixed-dose antiretroviral combinations J05AR
    e.g. bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide

Other viral infections

  • SARS-CoV-2 antivirals J05AE30
    e.g. nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, remdesivir, molnupiravir
  • RSV-directed products J06BD
    e.g. nirsevimab, palivizumab
  • Other antiviral agents J05A

Antifungals J02, D01

Systemic, topical and vaginal antifungal medicines by class.

Antifungal classes

  • Azoles J02AC
    e.g. fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole
  • Echinocandins J02AX
    e.g. caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin
  • Polyenes J02AA
    e.g. amphotericin B, nystatin
  • Allylamines D01BA02
    e.g. terbinafine
  • Antimetabolite antifungals J02AX01
    e.g. flucytosine
  • Griseofulvin D01BA01
    e.g. griseofulvin
  • Systemic antifungals J02
  • Topical antifungals D01A
    e.g. clotrimazole, miconazole
  • Vaginal antifungals G01AF
    e.g. clotrimazole pessaries

Antimycobacterials J04

Medicines for tuberculosis, drug-resistant tuberculosis, latent infection, leprosy and non-tuberculous mycobacteria.

Mycobacterial infections

  • First-line tuberculosis drugs J04AC
    e.g. isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol
  • Second-line tuberculosis drugs J04AK
    e.g. moxifloxacin, linezolid, cycloserine
  • MDR/XDR-TB agents J04AK
    e.g. bedaquiline, pretomanid, delamanid
  • Latent tuberculosis therapies J04AC01
    e.g. isoniazid with rifapentine
  • Leprosy medicines J04BA
    e.g. dapsone, clofazimine
  • Non-tuberculous mycobacterial therapies J04A
    e.g. amikacin liposome inhalation

Antiparasitics P

Antimalarials, antiprotozoals, anthelmintics and treatments for scabies and lice.

Antiparasitic classes

  • Antimalarials P01B
    e.g. artemether/lumefantrine, chloroquine, atovaquone/proguanil
  • Antiprotozoals P01A
    e.g. metronidazole, nitazoxanide
  • Anthelmintics P02
    e.g. mebendazole, albendazole, ivermectin
  • Ectoparasiticides P03A
  • Scabicides P03AC04
    e.g. permethrin
  • Pediculicides P03AX
    e.g. dimeticone, malathion

Rheumatology & immunology L04, M04

Disease-modifying drugs, targeted biologics and small molecules, gout medicines, immunoglobulins and the immunosuppressants used after transplantation.

AllopurinolPrednisolone and steroids

DMARDs and targeted therapies

  • Conventional synthetic DMARDs L04AX
    e.g. methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide
  • TNF inhibitors L04AB
    e.g. adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab
  • IL-6 inhibitors L04AC
    e.g. tocilizumab, sarilumab
  • IL-17 inhibitors L04AC
    e.g. secukinumab, ixekizumab
  • IL-12/23 inhibitors L04AC05
    e.g. ustekinumab
  • IL-23 inhibitors L04AC
    e.g. guselkumab, risankizumab
  • B-cell-targeted therapies L01FA01
    e.g. rituximab, belimumab
  • T-cell costimulation modulators L04AA24
    e.g. abatacept
  • JAK inhibitors L04AA
    e.g. tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib
  • Complement inhibitors L04AA
    e.g. eculizumab, ravulizumab

Gout

Immunoglobulins and immunosuppressants

  • Immunoglobulin products J06BA
    e.g. normal immunoglobulin (IVIG)
  • Calcineurin inhibitors L04AD
    e.g. tacrolimus, ciclosporin
  • mTOR inhibitors L04AA
    e.g. sirolimus, everolimus
  • Other systemic immunosuppressants L04AX
    e.g. azathioprine, mycophenolate

Oncology L01, L02

Cytotoxic chemotherapy classes, hormonal therapies, targeted small molecules, antibodies, immunotherapies, cell therapies and supportive medicines. Oncology pages require stricter sourcing and review.

Cytotoxic chemotherapy

  • Alkylating agents L01A
    e.g. cyclophosphamide, temozolomide
  • Platinum compounds L01XA
    e.g. cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin
  • Antimetabolites L01B
    e.g. fluorouracil, capecitabine, methotrexate, gemcitabine
  • Anthracyclines L01DB
    e.g. doxorubicin, epirubicin
  • Topoisomerase inhibitors L01C
    e.g. irinotecan, etoposide
  • Microtubule inhibitors L01C
    e.g. paclitaxel, docetaxel, vincristine
  • Antitumour antibiotics L01D
    e.g. bleomycin, mitomycin

Hormonal therapies

  • Antiandrogens L02BB
    e.g. enzalutamide, bicalutamide
  • Aromatase inhibitors L02BG
    e.g. anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane
  • Selective oestrogen receptor modulators L02BA
    e.g. tamoxifen
  • Selective oestrogen receptor degraders L02BA03
    e.g. fulvestrant, elacestrant
  • GnRH agonists (oncology) L02AE
    e.g. leuprorelin, goserelin
  • GnRH antagonists (oncology) L02BX
    e.g. degarelix, relugolix

Targeted and immune therapies

  • Tyrosine-kinase inhibitors L01E
    e.g. imatinib, osimertinib, sunitinib
  • Monoclonal antibodies (oncology) L01F
    e.g. trastuzumab, bevacizumab, rituximab
  • Antibody-drug conjugates L01FX
    e.g. trastuzumab deruxtecan, enfortumab vedotin
  • Immune-checkpoint inhibitors L01FF
    e.g. pembrolizumab, nivolumab, ipilimumab
  • PARP inhibitors L01XK
    e.g. olaparib, niraparib
  • CDK4/6 inhibitors L01EF
    e.g. palbociclib, ribociclib, abemaciclib
  • Proteasome inhibitors L01XG
    e.g. bortezomib, carfilzomib
  • BCL-2 inhibitors L01XX52
    e.g. venetoclax
  • Epigenetic therapies L01XH
    e.g. azacitidine, decitabine
  • CAR-T cell therapies L01XL
    e.g. tisagenlecleucel, axicabtagene ciloleucel
  • Other approved cell therapies L01XL
  • Radiopharmaceutical cancer therapies V10X
    e.g. lutetium-177 PSMA, radium-223

Supportive care

  • Oncology supportive medicines V03A
    e.g. antiemetics, colony-stimulating factors, bisphosphonates for bone metastases

Dermatology D

Topical and systemic medicines for skin disease: corticosteroids, calcineurin and PDE4 inhibitors, retinoids, acne, psoriasis and eczema treatments, antifungals, hair and pigment therapies.

Chlorphenamine

Topical and systemic skin medicines

  • Topical corticosteroids D07
    Beclometasone (inhaled)Inhaled corticosteroidsPrednisolone and steroids
  • Topical calcineurin inhibitors D11AH
    e.g. tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus
  • Topical PDE4 inhibitors D11AH
    e.g. crisaborole
  • Topical retinoids D10AD
    e.g. adapalene, tretinoin
  • Systemic retinoids D10BA
    e.g. isotretinoin, acitretin
  • Acne antibacterials D10AF
    e.g. benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin (topical), doxycycline
  • Keratolytics D11AX
    e.g. salicylic acid, urea
  • Antifungals (skin) D01
    e.g. terbinafine, clotrimazole
  • Antivirals (skin) D06BB
    e.g. aciclovir cream
  • Psoriasis biologics L04AC
    e.g. secukinumab, guselkumab, adalimumab
  • Eczema biologics D11AH05
    e.g. dupilumab, tralokinumab
  • JAK inhibitors (dermatology) D11AH
    e.g. abrocitinib, upadacitinib
  • Antihistamines (dermatology) R06A
    Cetirizine and antihistaminesChlorphenamine
  • Scabicides P03AC04
    e.g. permethrin
  • Pediculicides P03AX
    e.g. dimeticone
  • Hair-loss medicines D11AX01
    e.g. minoxidil, finasteride
  • Pigment-disorder therapies D11AX
    e.g. hydroquinone, ruxolitinib cream

Ophthalmic S01

Eye drops, ointments and injections: lubricants, anti-infectives, anti-inflammatories, allergy drops, pupil-acting drugs, glaucoma medicines and anti-VEGF injections.

Eye medicines

  • Artificial tears S01XA20
    e.g. hypromellose, carbomer gel
  • Ophthalmic antibiotics S01AA
    e.g. chloramphenicol eye drops, fusidic acid eye drops
  • Ophthalmic antivirals S01AD
    e.g. ganciclovir gel, aciclovir ointment
  • Ophthalmic antifungals S01AA
    e.g. natamycin
  • Ophthalmic corticosteroids S01BA
    Beclometasone (inhaled)Inhaled corticosteroidsPrednisolone and steroids
  • Ophthalmic NSAIDs S01BC
    e.g. ketorolac eye drops, diclofenac eye drops
  • Antihistamine eye drops S01GX
    e.g. olopatadine, ketotifen
  • Mast-cell stabiliser eye drops S01GX
    e.g. sodium cromoglicate eye drops
  • Mydriatics S01FA
    e.g. tropicamide, phenylephrine eye drops
  • Cycloplegics S01FA
    e.g. cyclopentolate, atropine eye drops
  • Miotics S01EB
    e.g. pilocarpine
  • Glaucoma prostaglandin analogues S01EE
    e.g. latanoprost, bimatoprost, travoprost
  • Ophthalmic beta blockers S01ED
    BisoprololMetoprolol and beta blockers
  • Ophthalmic alpha agonists S01EA
    e.g. brimonidine
  • Carbonic-anhydrase inhibitors S01EC
    e.g. dorzolamide, brinzolamide, acetazolamide
  • Rho-kinase inhibitors S01EX05
    e.g. netarsudil
  • Cholinergic glaucoma agents S01EB
    e.g. pilocarpine
  • Anti-VEGF agents S01LA
    e.g. aflibercept, ranibizumab, faricimab
  • Ophthalmic immunomodulators S01XA18
    e.g. ciclosporin eye drops

Ear, nose & throat S02, R01

Ear drops, wax softeners, nasal sprays and throat preparations.

ENT medicines

  • Otic antibiotics S02AA
    e.g. ciprofloxacin ear drops
  • Otic antibiotic/steroid combinations S02CA
    e.g. ciprofloxacin with dexamethasone ear drops
  • Cerumenolytics S02DC
    e.g. olive oil ear drops, sodium bicarbonate ear drops
  • Nasal corticosteroids R01AD
    Beclometasone (inhaled)Inhaled corticosteroidsPrednisolone and steroids
  • Nasal antihistamines R01AC
    e.g. azelastine nasal spray
  • Nasal decongestants R01AA
    e.g. xylometazoline, oxymetazoline
  • Saline products R01AX10
    e.g. saline nasal spray
  • Medicinal throat preparations R02A
    e.g. benzydamine, flurbiprofen lozenges

Reproductive, gynaecology & obstetric G

Contraception, hormone therapy, fertility drugs, endometriosis and fibroid treatments, medicines used in labour and pregnancy, vaginal anti-infectives and menopause therapies.

Contraception

  • Combined hormonal contraceptives G03AA
    e.g. ethinylestradiol with levonorgestrel, combined patch, vaginal ring
  • Progestogen-only contraceptives G03AC
    e.g. desogestrel, drospirenone-only pill
  • Emergency contraception G03AD
    e.g. levonorgestrel, ulipristal acetate
  • Injectable contraception G03AC06
    e.g. medroxyprogesterone acetate depot
  • Contraceptive implants G03AC08
    e.g. etonogestrel implant
  • Hormonal intrauterine systems G02BA03
    e.g. levonorgestrel intrauterine system

Hormones and fertility

  • Oestrogen therapy G03C
    e.g. estradiol, conjugated oestrogens
  • Progesterone and progestogens G03D
    e.g. progesterone, norethisterone, medroxyprogesterone
  • Fertility medicines G03G
  • Ovulation-induction drugs G03GB
    e.g. clomifene, letrozole (ovulation induction)
  • Gonadotropins G03GA
    e.g. follitropin alfa, menotrophin, chorionic gonadotropin
  • GnRH agonists (gynaecology) L02AE
    e.g. leuprorelin, triptorelin
  • GnRH antagonists (gynaecology) H01CC
    e.g. cetrorelix, ganirelix, elagolix
  • Endometriosis therapies G03
    e.g. dienogest, relugolix combination
  • Uterine-fibroid therapies G03XB
    e.g. ulipristal acetate, relugolix combination

Obstetric and vaginal

  • Uterotonics G02AB
    e.g. oxytocin, carboprost, ergometrine, misoprostol
  • Tocolytics G02CX
    e.g. nifedipine (tocolysis), atosiban
  • Pregnancy-specific therapies G02
    e.g. anti-D immunoglobulin, low-dose aspirin (pre-eclampsia prevention)
  • Vaginal antifungals G01AF
    e.g. clotrimazole pessaries, fluconazole (single dose)
  • Vaginal antibacterials G01AA
    e.g. clindamycin cream, metronidazole gel
  • Genitourinary menopause therapies G03CA
    e.g. vaginal estradiol, ospemifene

Urology & men's health G04

Medicines for prostate enlargement, bladder symptoms, erectile dysfunction, urinary pain and testosterone replacement.

Urology medicines

  • Alpha blockers for BPH G04CA
    e.g. tamsulosin, alfuzosin
  • 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors G04CB
    e.g. finasteride, dutasteride
  • PDE5 inhibitors G04BE
    e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil
  • Overactive-bladder antimuscarinics G04BD
    e.g. oxybutynin, solifenacin, tolterodine
  • Beta-3 agonists G04BD12
    e.g. mirabegron, vibegron
  • Urinary analgesics G04BX
    e.g. phenazopyridine
  • Testosterone products G03BA03
    e.g. testosterone gel, testosterone undecanoate injection
  • Erectile-dysfunction therapies G04BE
    e.g. sildenafil, alprostadil
  • Premature-ejaculation therapies G04BX14
    e.g. dapoxetine
  • Selected fertility and hormonal therapies (men) G03
    e.g. clomifene (off-label), hCG

Bone & osteoporosis M05

Medicines that slow bone loss or build bone, with the calcium and vitamin D that support them.

Alendronate

Bone medicines

  • Bisphosphonates M05BA
    Alendronate
  • RANKL inhibitors M05BX04
    e.g. denosumab
  • Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (bone) G03XC01
    e.g. raloxifene
  • Parathyroid-hormone analogues H05AA
    e.g. teriparatide, abaloparatide
  • Sclerostin inhibitors M05BX06
    e.g. romosozumab
  • Calcium products A12AA
    e.g. calcium carbonate
  • Vitamin D products A11CC
    e.g. colecalciferol, alfacalcidol
  • Calcitonin H05BA01
    e.g. salmon calcitonin

Vaccines J07

Human vaccines by disease target: platform, antigen, combinations, age indication, route, formulation and current schedule references. Schedules change and are versioned from current authoritative guidance.

Influenza vaccine

Vaccine families

  • Influenza vaccines J07BB
    Influenza vaccine
  • COVID-19 vaccines J07BN
    e.g. mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine
  • Hepatitis A vaccines J07BC02
  • Hepatitis B vaccines J07BC01
  • HPV vaccines J07BM
    e.g. 9-valent HPV vaccine
  • MMR vaccines J07BD52
    e.g. measles, mumps and rubella vaccine
  • Varicella vaccines J07BK01
  • Shingles vaccines J07BK03
    e.g. recombinant zoster vaccine
  • Pneumococcal vaccines J07AL
    e.g. pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine
  • Meningococcal vaccines J07AH
    e.g. MenACWY, MenB
  • Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccines J07AJ
    e.g. DTaP, Tdap, Td
  • Polio vaccines J07BF
    e.g. inactivated polio vaccine
  • Rotavirus vaccines J07BH
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines J07AG
    e.g. Hib vaccine
  • RSV vaccines J07BX05
  • Rabies vaccines J07BG
  • Typhoid vaccines J07AP
  • Cholera vaccines J07AE
  • Yellow fever vaccines J07BL
  • Japanese encephalitis vaccines J07BA
  • Travel and region-specific vaccines J07
    e.g. tick-borne encephalitis vaccine, dengue vaccine

Biologics

Medicines made by or from living cells. 'Biologic' is a product type, not a therapeutic class: each biologic also belongs to a therapeutic area.

Biologic product types

  • Monoclonal antibodies
    e.g. adalimumab, trastuzumab, pembrolizumab
  • Fusion proteins
    e.g. etanercept, abatacept, aflibercept
  • Recombinant proteins
    e.g. insulins, somatropin, erythropoietins
  • Cytokines L03A
    e.g. interferons, filgrastim
  • Therapeutic enzymes A16AB
    e.g. enzyme replacement therapies, alteplase
  • Recombinant hormones H01
    e.g. insulin, growth hormone, follitropin
  • Clotting factors B02BD
  • Immunoglobulins J06B
    e.g. normal immunoglobulin, specific immunoglobulins
  • Biosimilars
    e.g. adalimumab biosimilars, insulin glargine biosimilars
  • Therapeutic vaccines
  • Gene therapies
  • Cell therapies

Gene & cell therapies

Advanced therapy medicinal products: gene replacement and editing, viral vectors, CAR-T and other engineered cells, stem-cell-derived products. Every entity requires current regulatory verification.

Advanced therapies

  • Gene replacement therapies
    e.g. onasemnogene abeparvovec, voretigene neparvovec
  • Gene-editing therapies
    e.g. exagamglogene autotemcel
  • Viral-vector therapies
    e.g. etranacogene dezaparvovec
  • CAR-T cell therapies L01XL
    e.g. tisagenlecleucel, axicabtagene ciloleucel
  • Engineered immune-cell products
    e.g. tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy
  • Stem-cell-derived medicinal products
  • Other advanced therapy medicinal products

Emergency & antidotes V03AB

Medicines used in resuscitation and poisoning. Dosing is never given here: emergency dosing must be sourced, jurisdiction-specific and medically reviewed.

Resuscitation and reversal

  • Adrenaline (epinephrine) C01CA24
    e.g. adrenaline
  • Atropine A03BA01
    e.g. atropine
  • Naloxone V03AB15
    e.g. naloxone
  • Flumazenil V03AB25
    e.g. flumazenil
  • Acetylcysteine (paracetamol overdose) V03AB23
    e.g. acetylcysteine
  • Fomepizole V03AB34
    e.g. fomepizole
  • Digoxin immune Fab V03AB24
    e.g. digoxin-specific antibody fragments
  • Hydroxocobalamin (cyanide) V03AB33
    e.g. hydroxocobalamin
  • Sodium bicarbonate B05XA02
    e.g. sodium bicarbonate
  • Calcium products (emergency) A12AA
    e.g. calcium gluconate, calcium chloride
  • Glucagon H04AA01
    e.g. glucagon
  • Lipid emulsion (local-anaesthetic toxicity) B05BA02
    e.g. intravenous lipid emulsion
  • Chelators V03AB
    e.g. dimercaprol, sodium calcium edetate, deferoxamine
  • Antivenoms J06AA03
    e.g. snake antivenom
  • Botulism antitoxin J06AA04
  • Cyanide antidotes V03AB
    e.g. hydroxocobalamin, sodium thiosulfate
  • Methylene blue (methaemoglobinaemia) V03AB17
    e.g. methylthioninium chloride
  • Pralidoxime V03AB04
    e.g. pralidoxime
  • Vitamin K (phytomenadione) B02BA01
    e.g. phytomenadione
  • Protamine V03AB14
    e.g. protamine sulfate
  • Prothrombin complex concentrates B02BD01
  • Specific DOAC reversal agents V03AB
    e.g. idarucizumab, andexanet alfa

IV fluids, electrolytes & nutrition B05

Crystalloids, colloids, electrolyte replacements and parenteral or regulated enteral nutrition.

Fluids and electrolytes

  • Sodium chloride 0.9% B05XA03
    e.g. normal saline
  • Hypotonic saline solutions B05XA03
    e.g. sodium chloride 0.45%
  • Hypertonic saline B05XA03
    e.g. sodium chloride 2.7% and 3%
  • Balanced crystalloids B05BB01
    e.g. compound sodium lactate (Hartmann's), Plasma-Lyte
  • Dextrose solutions B05BA03
    e.g. glucose 5%, glucose 10%
  • Potassium preparations B05XA01
    e.g. potassium chloride
  • Magnesium preparations B05XA05
    e.g. magnesium sulfate
  • Calcium preparations A12AA
    e.g. calcium gluconate
  • Phosphate preparations B05XA09
    e.g. sodium glycerophosphate, potassium phosphate
  • Bicarbonate B05XA02
    e.g. sodium bicarbonate
  • Albumin B05AA01
    e.g. human albumin solution

Nutrition

  • Parenteral nutrition formulations B05BA10
  • Intravenous lipid emulsions B05BA02
  • Regulated enteral nutrition products V06

Contrast & diagnostic agents V08, V04

Substances given to make structures visible on imaging or to test a body function.

Fluorodeoxyglucose F-18 (FDG)Iodinated contrast agents

Contrast and diagnostic agents

  • Iodinated contrast agents V08A
    Iodinated contrast agents
  • Gadolinium-based contrast agents V08CA
    e.g. gadobutrol, gadoterate
  • Ultrasound contrast agents V08D
    e.g. sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles
  • Nuclear-medicine tracers V09
    e.g. technetium-99m agents, fluorodeoxyglucose F-18
  • Fluorescein S01JA01
    e.g. fluorescein sodium
  • Indocyanine green V04CX01
  • Other diagnostic dyes and agents V04C
    e.g. methylene blue (diagnostic), tuberculin

Radiopharmaceuticals V09, V10

Radioactive medicines for imaging (diagnostic) and treatment (therapeutic): isotope, targeting mechanism, use, route, the related imaging or procedure and radiation-specific precautions.

Fluorodeoxyglucose F-18 (FDG)

Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals

  • Technetium-99m agents V09
    e.g. Tc-99m MDP (bone scan), Tc-99m sestamibi, Tc-99m MAG3
  • Fluorine-18 PET tracers V09IX
    Fluorodeoxyglucose F-18 (FDG)
  • Gallium-68 PET tracers V09IX
    e.g. Ga-68 DOTATATE, Ga-68 PSMA
  • Iodine-123 and iodine-131 diagnostic agents V09FX
    e.g. sodium iodide I-123, ioflupane I-123 (DaTscan)
  • Other diagnostic tracers V09
    e.g. thallium-201, indium-111 labelled white cells

Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals

  • Radioactive iodine therapy V10XA01
    e.g. sodium iodide I-131
  • Lutetium-177 therapies V10XX
    e.g. Lu-177 dotatate, Lu-177 PSMA
  • Radium-223 V10XX03
    e.g. radium-223 dichloride
  • Other therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals V10
    e.g. yttrium-90 microspheres, strontium-89

WHO ATC first-level groups

CodeAnatomical / therapeutic group
AAlimentary tract and metabolism
BBlood and blood-forming organs
CCardiovascular system
DDermatologicals
GGenitourinary system and sex hormones
HSystemic hormonal preparations, excluding sex hormones and insulins
JAnti-infectives for systemic use
LAntineoplastic and immunomodulating agents
MMusculoskeletal system
NNervous system
PAntiparasitic products, insecticides and repellents
RRespiratory system
SSensory organs
VVarious

ATC codes are shown where the class corresponds exactly to a WHO ATC code at that level; medicines carry their own ATC, RxNorm and FDA pharmacologic-class identifiers on their pages. Codes are asserted by the editorial team and verified by the terminology pipeline against each release import.

About this taxonomy

Written by
Anatomy Nexus editorial team
Review status
Not yet independently reviewed · policy
Last updated
Sources
Atlas data (BodyParts3D, FMA) · how we source

Educational content, not medical advice. Disclaimer · Report an error