Assessment of solubility as a physicochemical classifying parameter in the anatomical therapeutic classification

Abstract

The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification systemmanaged by theWorld Health Organisation is nowadays considered the most widely used drug classification system. Medicinal compounds are classified into different groups according to the organ or system on which they exert their effect on, also taking into consideration the therapeutic, pharmacological and chemical property of the active ingredient. The objective of the study was to extend the studies performed to date by Fenech and Farrugia (2014) to all of the medicinal compounds found in the ATC Classification to assess whether drug solubility can be included in common physicochemical profiles existing for compounds classified within the same ATC sub group.