Does Fluoxetine liquid need to be refrigerated? (+5 risks)
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this brief article, we will answer the question, “Does Fluoxetine liquid need to be refrigerated?” and other questions, like What is the proper storage guideline for fluoxetine liquid?; What is the shelf life of fluoxetine liquid? and How to know if Fluoxetine liquid has gone bad?
Does Fluoxetine liquid need to be refrigerated?
No, Fluoxetine liquid does not need to be refrigerated. A fluoxetine liquid is an oral solution form of the medication fluoxetine (Prozac). The oral solution is formulated with 20 mg of fluoxetine per 5 ml.
Generally, many liquid medications including some formulations of fluoxetine do not require refrigeration. However, always follow the storage guidelines provided by the medication’s packaging or your healthcare provider to ensure its stability and effectiveness. If refrigeration is necessary, the instructions will be specified.
Can Fluoxetine liquid be refrigerated during a hot day?
High temperatures, coupled with moisture have the potential to compromise the potency of medications, leading to a decrease in effectiveness, even before the stated expiration date. (1)
Hence, in the presence of excessively elevated temperatures, refrigeration can be considered a precautionary measure.
However, the recommended storage temperature for fluoxetine falls between 20 degrees to 25 degrees Celsius (68 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). This suggests that the maximum temperature for storing fluoxetine liquid is 25 degrees Celsius or 77 degrees Fahrenheit. (2)
If fluoxetine oral solution is exposed to temperatures higher than the specified range, there is a risk of degradation.
What is the proper storage guideline for fluoxetine liquid?
Liquid Fluoxetine must be used and stored according to the guidelines provided. Following medication storage requirements ensures potency, safety and accurate dosing, safeguarding against degradation and contamination and promoting positive health outcomes.
The storage requirements for fluoxetine are as follows:
- Protect the fluoxetine oral solution from light exposure. (2)
- Keep the fluoxetine oral solution bottle tightly closed and store it in a cupboard, away from heat and direct sunlight. Refrigeration is unnecessary. (2,3)
- Ensure that children cannot see or reach the medicine. (3)
- Store the medicine in its original container. (3)
Improperly storing fluoxetine liquid may lead to reduced efficacy, altered composition, safety issues, inaccurate dosing, contamination, allergic reactions and negative health outcomes.
What is the shelf life of fluoxetine liquid?
Shelf life refers to the period during which fluoxetine liquid is expected to remain stable, effective and safe for use under proper storage conditions. It is the duration from the manufacturing date until the expiration date, beyond which the manufacturer cannot guarantee the product’s quality.
The shelf life of fluoxetine liquid is 3 years for a closed bottle and 1 month for an open bottle. After one month of opening the bottle, fluoxetine liquid should not be used.
How to know if fluoxetine liquid has gone bad?
- Examine the colour, clarity and consistency of the liquid. Any changes such as discolouration, cloudiness, or the presence of particles may suggest deterioration.
- If the fluoxetine liquid develops a strange odour, it could be an indication of contamination or chemical changes.
- Check the expiration date on the packaging.
- If the liquid separates into distinct layers or forms clumps, it may indicate a loss of homogeneity or degradation.
- Any significant changes in flavour, increased bitterness or an unusual taste could suggest spoilage.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have answered the question, “Does fluoxetine liquid need to be refrigerated?” and other questions, like what is the proper storage guideline for fluoxetine liquid, what is the shelf life of fluoxetine liquid and how to know if fluoxetine liquid has gone bad.
I suggest not refrigerating the fluoxetine liquid; instead, store it at room temperature. I would advise to follow the given guidelines to ensure the medication’s effectiveness.
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References
1.-
Heat, medications don’t mix. Baylor College of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.bcm.edu/news/heat-medications-dont-mix#:~:text=%22Medications%20can%20be%20altered%20by,DeBakey%20VA%20Medical%20Center.
2.-
National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). DailyMed – fluoxetine- fluoxetine hydrochloride liquid. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c856d72f-4a1a-4f75-ae54-c4ac83ddcfa1
3.-
Information for parents and carers fluoxetine for depression, obsessive … (n.d.-b). https://www.lakemacpaediatrics.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Fluoxetine-parent-handout.pdf
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