Atomoxetine Hydrochloride

Indications

Atomoxetine Hydrochloride capsule is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as defined by DSM-IV criteria. It can be given to children aged 6 years and older, to adolescents and to adults.

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

Pharmacology

Nobody knows exactly how Atomoxetine works in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is thought to be related to selective inhibition of the pre-synaptic nor-epinephrine transporter. After oral use, Atomoxetine is well absorbed, and food has only a minimal effect on this. The body clears it mainly by oxidative metabolism through the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) enzymatic pathway.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Atomoxetine is in Pregnancy Category B3. No adequate and well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women, so doctors should not use Atomoxetine during pregnancy unless the possible benefit justifies the possible risk to the foetus.

Lactation: Atomoxetine and/or its metabolites were found in the milk of rats. It is not known whether Atomoxetine passes into human milk. Caution should be taken if it is given to a nursing woman.

⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.

Adults: Children and Adolescents up to 70 kg Body Weight: Start Atomoxetine at a total daily dose of approximately 0.5 mg/kg. After a minimum of three days, increase it to a target total daily dose of approximately 1.2 mg/kg. This can be given as a single dose in the morning or as evenly divided doses in the morning and late afternoon/early evening. After another two to four weeks, the total daily dose may be raised to a maximum of 1.4 mg/kg in patients who have not had a good enough response. The maximum recommended total daily dose in children and adolescents is 1.4 mg/kg or 100mg, whichever is less. Children and Adolescents over 70 kg Body Weight and Adults: Start Atomoxetine at a total daily dose of 40mg. After a minimum of three days, increase it to a target total daily dose of approximately 80mg, given either as a single dose in the morning or as evenly divided doses in the morning and late afternoon/early evening. After another two to four weeks, the dose may be raised to a maximum of 100mg in patients who have not had a good enough response. The maximum recommended total daily dose in children and adolescents over 70 kg is 100mg. Maintenance/Extended Treatment: There is no evidence from controlled trials to show how long a patient with ADHD should be treated with Atomoxetine. It is generally agreed, though, that medicine treatment of ADHD may be needed for extended periods. A physician who chooses to use Atomoxetine for extended periods should re-evaluate from time to time whether the medicine is still useful over the long term for that individual patient. Pediatric use: The pharmacokinetics of Atomoxetine have not been evaluated in children under 6 years of age.