Is it safe to open Fluoxetine capsules?

Is it safe to open Fluoxetine capsules?

Yes, it is safe to use Fluoxetine capsules and consume the powder with food, if you find it hard to ingest a capsule. 

However, it’s not recommended to open Prozac Weekly capsules, which is an extended-release dosage form of Fluoxetine and it is supposed to be taken once weekly (1). 

Any capsule that is extended or delayed release should not be opened as they are designed in such a way that the active ingredient is released slowly from the capsule. Opening it would result in an overdose as you’ll consume it all at once, and you may experience side effects like:

What precautions should be in mind when opening Fluoxetine capsules? 

There are a few things that you should keep in mind when opening Fluoxetine capsules. These include:

  • Do not open a capsule for later use. When the drug is left exposed to the environment for a long period of time, its stability gets affected. Consume the opened capsule right away.
  • Avoid adding the drug powder to water. This is because Fluoxetine is extremely bitter in taste and this is one of the reasons why the manufacturers formulated it as a capsule. Opening the capsule will expose you to that bitter taste and there is no way water could mask that. This is why I recommend adding powder to foods like pudding or applesauce.
  • Do not divide the single dose or save half of the powder for later use. One capsule equals a single dose that is intended to be taken all at once. If you are opening the capsule, consume all of it at once. 

These precautions are important to follow if you are opening Fluoxetine capsules before use and always remember not to open extended-release capsules. 

Alternatives to opening Fluoxetine capsules

It’s best to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about a suitable alternative to opening Fluoxetine capsules. Fluoxetine is also available in an oral liquid dosage form which would be easy for people to swallow as compared to capsules.

Make sure you ask your pharmacist about the exact quantity of liquid Fluoxetine to take before you switch. Dose distribution is different in the case of liquid dosage forms and it’s important to take the prescribed dose of Fluoxetine.

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References

1.-

The Food and Drug Administration. HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. PROZAC (fluoxetine hydrochloride) capsules. USP. FDA; 2017 [cited 2022 May 23]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/018936s091lbl.pdf

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