ATC code C

ATC code C is a section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (ATC), which is used for the classification of drugs and other medical products. This section is specifically designated for cardiovascular system medications. The ATC system is maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is widely used internationally for drug classification.

Subgroups

The ATC code C is divided into several subgroups, each representing a different category of cardiovascular drugs. These subgroups include:

• C01 - Cardiac therapy
• C02 - Antihypertensives
• C03 - Diuretics
• C04 - Peripheral vasodilators
• C05 - Vasoprotectives
• C07 - Beta blocking agents
• C08 - Calcium channel blockers
• C09 - Agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system
• C10 - Lipid modifying agents

C01 - Cardiac therapy

This subgroup includes drugs used in the treatment of heart failure, arrhythmias, and other heart conditions. Examples include cardiac glycosides, antiarrhythmic agents, and vasodilators.

C02 - Antihypertensives

Antihypertensives are medications used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). This subgroup includes various classes of drugs such as alpha blockers, centrally acting agents, and vasodilators.

C03 - Diuretics

Diuretics are drugs that promote the excretion of water and salts through the urine. They are commonly used to treat conditions such as edema and hypertension. This subgroup includes thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics, and potassium-sparing diuretics.

C04 - Peripheral vasodilators

Peripheral vasodilators are medications that dilate (widen) the blood vessels, improving blood flow to the extremities. They are used in the treatment of conditions such as peripheral artery disease.

C05 - Vasoprotectives

Vasoprotectives are drugs that protect the blood vessels and improve their function. This subgroup includes medications used to treat conditions like hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

C07 - Beta blocking agents

Beta blockers are medications that reduce the heart rate and the force of contraction, thereby lowering blood pressure. They are used in the treatment of hypertension, angina, and heart failure.

C08 - Calcium channel blockers

Calcium channel blockers are drugs that inhibit the entry of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, leading to relaxation and vasodilation. They are used to treat hypertension, angina, and certain types of arrhythmias.

C09 - Agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system

This subgroup includes drugs that interfere with the renin-angiotensin system, which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Examples include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and renin inhibitors.

C10 - Lipid modifying agents

Lipid modifying agents are medications used to manage dyslipidemia (abnormal levels of lipids in the blood). This subgroup includes statins, fibrates, and other lipid-lowering drugs.

See also

• Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System
• Cardiovascular system
• Hypertension
• Heart failure
• Arrhythmia

External links

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