Application of the anatomical chemical system/defined daily doses: Challenges and way forward for resource-limited countries

Abstract

What is known and objective: The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification/ Defined Daily Doses (ATC/DDD) methodology is a WHO gold standard for ensuring systematic Drug Utilization Research (DUR) and has been mainly used in the developed world. This article examines the challenges and way forward for using this methodology in resource-limited countries. Content: The ATC/DDD is superior over other methods employed in DUR as it offers a unified medicines regulation and management system at all care levels. The ATC/ DDD allows access to standardized and validated information on DUR by: assessing patterns of utilization, defining optimal use levels, identification of gaps, aggregating and analysing statistics for reporting adverse drug reactions, as well as assisting in developing rational medicines use interventions and monitoring their outcomes. What is new and conclusion: Application of the ATC/DDD methodology is crucial for improved patient management, optimal consumption of national pharmaceutical budgets and policy formulation in resource-limited countries.