On this page

Fluoxetine Hydrochloride

Prescription ANDA TE AB Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Fluoxetine Hydrochloride
Generic name
Fluoxetine Hydrochloride
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route
Oral
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
3
NDC product codes
5
Packages
11
Data completeness
82% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Fluoxetine Hydrochloride 10 mg/1 1190110 View
Fluoxetine Hydrochloride 20 mg/1 1190110 View
Fluoxetine Hydrochloride 60 mg/1 1190110 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
16

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor [EPC] EPC All 51 members
Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors [MoA] MoA All 73 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
208698
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
April 5, 2017
Sponsor
ALEMBIC
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
3
Products approved under application 208698.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
208698-001 FLUOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLET FLUOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB
208698-002 FLUOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLET FLUOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
No

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 208698.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 20 Labeling Approved August 18, 2023 Standard
Supplement 18 Labeling Approved September 20, 2021 Standard
Original application 1 Approved April 5, 2017 Standard

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260714). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260714 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20240320 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20230125

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS • Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short term studies. These studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in patients over age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressant use in patients aged 65 and older [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. • In patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy, monitor closely for worsening and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Advise families and caregivers of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. • Fluoxetine is not approved for use in children less than 7 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]. When using fluoxetine and olanzapine in combination, also refer to Boxed Warning section of the package insert for Symbyax. WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults taking antidepressants (5.1). • Monitor for worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (5.1). When using fluoxetine and olanzapine in combination, also refer to Boxed Warning section of the package insert for Symbyax

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

RECENT MAJOR CHANGES SECTION Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.7 ) 8/2023

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor indicated for: Acute and maintenance treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adult and pediatric patients aged 8 to 18 years (1.1) Acute and maintenance treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in adults and pediatric patients aged 7 to 17 years (1.2) Acute and maintenance treatment of Bulimia Nervosa in adult patients (1.3) Acute treatment of Panic Disorder, with or without agoraphobia, in adult patients (1.4) 1.1 Major Depressive Disorder Fluoxetine is indicated for the acute and maintenance treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients and in pediatric patients aged 8 to 18 years [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] . The usefulness of the drug in adult and pediatric patients receiving fluoxetine for extended periods should periodically be re-evaluated [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] . 1.2 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Fluoxetine is indicated for the acute and maintenance treatment of obsessions and compulsions in adult patients and in pediatric patients aged 7 to 17 years with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD [see Clinical Studies (14.2)] . The effectiveness of fluoxetine in long‐term use, i.e., for more than 13 weeks, has not been systematically evaluated in placebo‐controlled trials. Therefore, the physician who elects to use fluoxetine for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long‐term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)] . 1.3 Bulimia Nervosa Fluoxetine is indicated for the acute and maintenance treatment of binge‐eating and vomiting behaviors in adult patients with moderate to severe Bulimia Nervosa [see Clinical Studies (14.3)] . The physician who elects to use fluoxetine for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long‐term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)] . 1.4 Panic Disorder Fluoxetine is indicated for the acute treatment of Panic Disorder, with or without agoraphobia, in adult patients [see Clinical Studies (14.4)] . The effectiveness of fluoxetine in long‐term use, i.e., for more than 12 weeks, has not been established in placebo‐controlled trials. Therefore, the physician who elects to use fluoxetine for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long‐term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] .

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION This product is only available in a 60 mg dosage form. A 30 mg dose may be achieved with one-half of the scored tablet. Use of this product requires initial titration with another fluoxetine product according to the dosing guidelines indicated below. Use another fluoxetine product for initial doses of 10 to 20 mg/day or for doses other than 30 mg or 60 mg: Indication Adult Pediatric MDD ( 2.1 ) 20 mg/day in morning (initial dose) 20 mg/day (target dose) 80 mg/day (maximum dose studied) 10 to 20 mg/day (initial dose) This product has not been studied in doses greater than 20 mg/day in pediatric MDD. OCD ( 2.2 ) 20 mg/day in morning (initial dose) 20 to 60 mg/day (target dose) 10 mg/day (initial dose) 10 to 60 mg/day (target dose) Bulimia Nervosa ( 2.3 ) 60 mg/day in morning ⸺ Panic Disorder ( 2.4 ) 10 mg/day (initial dose) 20 mg/day (target dose) 60 mg/day (maximum dose studied) ⸺ No additional benefits seen at higher doses above 20 mg/day in MDD ( 2.1 , 14.1 ) Use a lower or less frequent dosage in patients with hepatic impairment, the elderly, and for patients with concurrent disease or on multiple concomitant medications ( 2.5 , 8.6 ) 2.1 Major Depressive Disorder Initial Treatment Adult —Initiate fluoxetine 20 mg/day orally in the morning. Consider a dose increase after several weeks if insufficient clinical improvement is observed. Administer doses above 20 mg/day once daily in the morning or twice daily (i.e., morning and noon). The maximum fluoxetine dose should not exceed 80 mg/day. In controlled trials used to support the efficacy of fluoxetine, patients were administered morning doses ranging from 20 to 80 mg/day. Studies comparing fluoxetine 20, 40, and 60 mg/day to placebo indicate that 20 mg/day is sufficient to obtain a satisfactory response in MDD in most cases [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Pediatric (children and adolescents) —Treatment should be initiated with a dose of 10 or 20 mg/day. After 1 week at 10 mg/day, the dose should be increased to 20 mg/day. However, due to higher plasma levels in lower weight children, the starting and target dose in this group may be 10 mg/day. A dose increase to 20 mg/day may be considered after several weeks if insufficient clinical improvement is observed. In the short-term (8- to 9-week) controlled clinical trials of fluoxetine supporting its effectiveness in the treatment of MDD, patients were administered fluoxetine doses of 10 to 20 mg/day [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Doses greater than 20 mg/day have not been studied in pediatric patients with MDD. This product is only available in a 60 mg dosage form. Administration of doses with demonstrated efficacy of fluoxetine 10 to 20 mg/day in pediatric MDD requires the use of another formulation. All patients —As with other drugs effective in the treatment of MDD, the full effect may be delayed until 4 weeks of treatment or longer. Periodically reassess to determine the need for maintenance treatment. Switching Patients to a Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA) —Dosage of a TCA may need to be reduced, and plasma TCA concentrations may need to be monitored temporarily when fluoxetine is co-administered or has been recently discontinued [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.6) ] . 2.2 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Initial Treatment Adults —Initiate fluoxetine 20 mg/day, orally in the morning. Consider a dose increase after several weeks if insufficient clinical improvement is observed. The full therapeutic effect may be delayed until 5 weeks of treatment or longer. Doses above 20 mg/day may be administered on a once daily (i.e., morning) or twice daily schedule (i.e., morning and noon). A dose range of 20 to 60 mg/day is recommended; however, doses of up to 80 mg/day have been well tolerated in open studies of OCD. The maximum fluoxetine dose should not exceed 80 mg/day. In the controlled clinical trials of fluoxetine supporting its effectiveness in the treatment of OCD, patients …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Fluoxetine tablets USP, 60 mg, are available as 60 mg (fluoxetine base equivalent), white to off-white film-coated modified capsule shaped, beveled edge, biconvex tablets debossed one side with ‘F’ on left side of score line and ‘60’ on right side of score line and on another side ‘63’ on left side of score line and ‘2’ on right side of score line. • Tablets : 60 mg, functionally scored (3)

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS When using fluoxetine and olanzapine in combination, also refer to the Contraindications section of the package insert for Symbyax. • Serotonin Syndrome and MAOIs: Do not use MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with fluoxetine or within 5 weeks of stopping treatment with fluoxetine. Do not use fluoxetine within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders. In addition, do not start fluoxetine in a patient who is being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue (4.1) • Pimozide: Do not use. Risk of QT prolongation and drug interaction (4.2, 5.11,7.7, 7.8) • Thioridazine: Do not use. Risk of QT interval prolongation and elevated thioridazine plasma levels. Do not use thioridazine within 5 weeks of discontinuing fluoxetine (4.2, 5.11, 7.7, 7.8) • When using fluoxetine and olanzapine in combination, also refer to the Contraindications section of the package insert for Symbyax (4) 4.1 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with fluoxetine or within 5 weeks of stopping treatment with fluoxetine is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. The use of fluoxetine within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is also contraindicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.9) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Starting fluoxetine in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Dosage and Administration (2.10) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. 4.2 Other Contraindications The use of fluoxetine is contraindicated with the following: Pimozide [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) and Drug Interactions (7.7, 7.8)] Thioridazine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) and Drug Interactions (7.7, 7.8)] Pimozide and thioridazine prolong the QT interval. Fluoxetine can increase the levels of pimozide and thioridazine through inhibition of CYP2D6. Fluoxetine can also prolong the QT interval.

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: Monitor for clinical worsening and suicidal thinking and behavior ( 5.1 ) Serotonin Syndrome: Serotonin syndrome has been reported with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), including fluoxetine, both when taken alone, but especially when co-administered with other serotonergic agents. If such symptoms occur, discontinue fluoxetine and serotonergic agents and initiate supportive treatment. If concomitant use of fluoxetine with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, patients should be made aware of a potential increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dose increases ( 5.2 ) Activation of Mania/Hypomania: Screen for Bipolar Disorder and monitor for mania/hypomania ( 5.4 ) Seizures: Use cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions that potentially lower the seizure threshold ( 5.5 ) Altered Appetite and Weight: Significant weight loss has occurred ( 5.6 ) Increased Risk of Bleeding: May increase the risk of bleeding. Use with NSAIDs, aspirin, warfarin, or drugs that affect coagulation may potentiate the risk of gastrointestinal or other bleeding ( 5.7 , 7.4 ) Angle-closure Glaucoma: Angle-closure glaucoma has occurred in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles treated with antidepressants ( 5.8) Hyponatremia: Has been reported with fluoxetine in association with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Consider discontinuing if symptomatic hyponatremia occurs ( 5.9 ) QT Prolongation: QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmia including Torsades de Pointes have been reported with fluoxetine use. Use with caution in conditions that predispose to arrhythmias or increase fluoxetine exposure. Use cautiously in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation ( 4.2 , 5.11 , 7.6 , 7.7 , 10 ) Long Half-life: Changes in dose will not be fully reflected in plasma for several weeks ( 5.14 ) Sexual Dysfunction: Fluoxetine may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction ( 5.16 ) 5.1 Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults Patients with MDD, both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide. There has been a long-standing concern, however, that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment. Pooled analyses of short-term placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and others) showed that these drugs increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18 to 24) with MDD and other psychiatric disorders. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents with MDD, OCD, or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 24 short-term trials of 9 antidepressant drugs in over 4,400 patients. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in adults with MDD or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 295 short-term trials (median duration of 2 months) of 11 antidepressant drugs in over 77,000 patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidality among drugs, but a tendency toward an increase in the younger patients for almost all drugs studied. There were di …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Allergic Reactions and Rash [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Screening Patients for Bipolar Disorder and Monitoring for Mania/Hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Altered Appetite and Weight [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Increased Risk of Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Angle-closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Anxiety and Insomnia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Discontinuation Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15 )] Most common adverse reactions (≥ 5% and at least twice that for placebo): abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, anorexia, anxiety, asthenia, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, flu syndrome, impotence, insomnia, libido decreased, nausea, nervousness, pharyngitis, rash, sinusitis, somnolence, sweating, tremor, vasodilatation, and yawn (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Inc., at 1-888-375-3784 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect or predict the rates observed in practice. Multiple doses of fluoxetine have been administered to 10,782 patients with various diagnoses in U.S. clinical trials. In addition, there have been 425 patients administered fluoxetine in panic clinical trials. The stated frequencies represent the proportion of individuals who experienced, at least once, an adverse reaction of the type listed. An adverse reaction was included if it occurred for the first time or worsened while receiving therapy following baseline evaluation. Incidence in MDD, OCD, Bulimia, and Panic Disorder placebo-controlled clinical trials (excluding data from extensions of trials)—Table 2 enumerates the most common adverse reactions associated with the use of fluoxetine (incidence of at least 5% for fluoxetine and at least twice that for placebo within at least 1 of the indications) for the treatment of MDD, OCD, and bulimia in U.S. controlled clinical trials and Panic Disorder in U.S. plus non-U.S. controlled trials. Table 3 provides combined data for the pool of studies that are provided separately by indication in Table 2. Table 2. Most Common Adverse Reactions: Incidence in Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bulimia, and Panic Disorder Placebo-controlled Clinical Trials Percentage of Patients Reporting Event MDD OCD Bulimia Panic Disorder Body System/Adverse Reaction Fluoxetine (N = 1728) Placebo (N = 975) Fluoxetine (N = 266) Placebo (N = 89) Fluoxetine (N = 450) Placebo (N = 267) Fluoxetine (N = 425) Placebo (N = 342) Body as a Whole Asthenia 9 5 15 11 21 9 7 7 Flu syndrome 3 4 10 7 8 3 5 5 Cardiovascular System Vasodilatation 3 2 5 — 2 1 1 — Digestive System Nausea 21 9 26 13 29 11 12 7 Diarrhea 12 8 18 13 8 6 9 4 Anorexia 11 2 17 10 8 4 4 1 Dry mouth 10 7 12 3 9 6 4 4 Dyspepsia 7 5 10 4 10 6 6 2 Nervous System Insomnia 16 9 28 22 33 13 10 7 Anxiety 12 7 14 7 15 9 6 2 Nervousness 14 9 14 15 11 5 8 6 Somnolence 13 6 17 7 13 5 5 2 Tremor 10 3 9 1 13 1 3 1 Libido decreased 3 — 11 2 5 1 1 2 Abnormal dreams 1 1 5 2 5 3 1 1 Respiratory System Pharyngitis 3 3 11 9 10 5 3 3 Sinusitis 1 4 5 2 6 4 2 3 Yawn — — 7 — 11 — 1 — Skin and Appendages Sweating 8 3 7 — 8 3 2 2 Rash 4 …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS As with all drugs, the potential for interaction by a variety of mechanisms (e.g., pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic drug inhibition or enhancement, etc) is a possibility. Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6: Fluoxetine is a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6 enzyme pathway ( 7.6 ) Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Monitor TCA levels during co-administration with fluoxetine or when fluoxetine has been recently discontinued ( 5.2 , 7.6 ) Benzodiazepines: Diazepam—increased t1/2, alprazolam—further psychomotor performance decrement due to increased levels ( 7.6 ) Antipsychotics: Potential for elevation of haloperidol and clozapine levels (7.6 ) Anticonvulsants: Potential for elevated phenytoin and carbamazepine levels and clinical anticonvulsant toxicity (7.6) Serotonergic Drugs: ( 2.6 , 2.7 , 4.1 , 5.2 ) Drugs that Prolong the QT Interval: Do not use fluoxetine with thioridazine or pimozide. Use with caution in combination with other drugs that prolong the QT interval ( 4.2 , 5.11 , 7.6 , 7.7 ) 7.1 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) [See Dosage and Administration ( 2.6, 2.7 ), Contraindications ( 4.1 ), and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. 7.2 CNS Acting Drugs Caution is advised if the concomitant administration of fluoxetine and such drugs is required. In evaluating individual cases, consideration should be given to using lower initial doses of the concomitantly administered drugs, using conservative titration schedules, and monitoring of clinical status [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.3 Other Serotonergic Drugs The concomitant use of serotonergic drugs (including other SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, buspirone, amphetamines, tryptophan, and St. John's Wort) with fluoxetine increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases. If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of fluoxetine and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. 7.4 Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis (e.g., NSAIDS, Aspirin, Warfarin) Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. Epidemiological studies of the case-control and cohort design that have demonstrated an association between use of psychotropic drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and the occurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding have also shown that concurrent use of an NSAID or aspirin may potentiate this risk of bleeding. Altered anticoagulant effects, including increased bleeding, have been reported when SNRIs or SSRIs are co-administered with warfarin. Patients receiving warfarin therapy should be carefully monitored when fluoxetine is initiated or discontinued [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )]. 7.5 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Fluoxetine Drugs tightly bound to plasma proteins —Because fluoxetine is tightly bound to plasma proteins, adverse effects may result from displacement of protein-bound fluoxetine by other tightly bound drugs [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.6 Potential for Fluoxetine to Affect Other Drugs Pimozide —Concomitant use in patients taking pimozide is contraindicated. Pimozide can prolong the QT interval. Fluoxetine can increase the level of pimozide through inhibition of CYP2D6. Fluoxetine can also prolong the QT interval. Clinical studies of pimozide with other antidepressants demonstrate an increase in drug interaction or QT prolongation. While a specific study with pimozide and fluoxetine has not been conducted, the potential for drug interactions or QT prolongation warrants restricting the concurrent use of pimozide and fluoxetine [see Contraindications ( 4.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 ), and Drug Interactions ( 7.7 )]. Thioridazine —Thioridazine should not be administered with fluoxetine or within a minimum of 5 weeks after fluoxetine has been discontinued, because of the risk of QT prolongation [see Co …

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS When using fluoxetine and olanzapine in combination, also refer to the Use in Specific Populations section of the package insert for Symbyax. • Pregnancy: Fluoxetine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risks to the fetus (8.1) • Nursing Mothers: Breast-feeding is not recommended (8.3) • Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of fluoxetine in patients <8 years of age with Major Depressive Disorder and <7 years of age with OCD have not been established. • Hepatic Impairment: Lower or less frequent dosing may be appropriate in patients with cirrhosis (8.6) 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C — Fluoxetine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcome regardless of drug exposure. Treatment of Pregnant Women during the First Trimester — There are no adequate and well-controlled clinical studies on the use of fluoxetine in pregnant women. Results of a number of published epidemiological studies assessing the risk of fluoxetine exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy have demonstrated inconsistent results. More than 10 cohort studies and case-control studies failed to demonstrate an increased risk for congenital malformations overall. However, one prospective cohort study conducted by the European Network of Teratology Information Services reported an increased risk of cardiovascular malformations in infants born to women (N = 253) exposed to fluoxetine during the first trimester of pregnancy compared to infants of women (N = 1359) who were not exposed to fluoxetine. There was no specific pattern of cardiovascular malformations. Overall, however, a causal relationship has not been established. Nonteratogenic Effects — Neonates exposed to fluoxetine and other SSRIs or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), late in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery. Reported clinical findings have included respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. These features are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs and SNRIs or, possibly, a drug discontinuation syndrome. It should be noted that, in some cases, the clinical picture is consistent with serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . Infants exposed to SSRIs in pregnancy may have an increased risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). PPHN occurs in 1 to 2 per 1,000 live births in the general population and is associated with substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality. Several recent epidemiological studies suggest a positive statistical association between SSRI use (including fluoxetine) in pregnancy and PPHN. Other studies do not show a significant statistical association. Physicians should also note the results of a prospective longitudinal study of 201 pregnant women with a history of major depression, who were either on antidepressants or had received antidepressants less than 12 weeks prior to their last menstrual period, and were in remission. Women who discontinued antidepressant medication during pregnancy showed a significant increase in relapse of their major depression compared to those women who remained on antidepressant medication throughout pregnancy. When treating a pregnant woman with fluoxetine, the physician should carefully consider both the potential risks of taking an SSRI, along with the established benefits of treating depression with an antidepressant. The decision can only be made on a case by case basis [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)] . Animal Data — In embry …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Although the exact mechanism of fluoxetine is unknown, it is presumed to be linked to its inhibition of CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Fluoxetine (fluoxetine tablets, USP) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor for oral administration. It is also marketed for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (Sarafem ® , fluoxetine hydrochloride). It is designated (±)-N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-[(α,α,α-trifluoro- p -tolyl)oxy]propylamine hydrochloride and has the empirical formula of C 17 H 18 F 3 NO•HCl. Its molecular weight is 345.79. The structural formula is: Fluoxetine hydrochloride, USP is a white to off-white crystalline powder, it is freely soluble in alcohol and in methanol, sparingly soluble in water and in dichloromethane, practically insoluble in ether. Each tablet contains fluoxetine hydrochloride equivalent to 10 mg (32.3 μmol) or 20 mg (64.7 μmol) of fluoxetine. In addition, each tablet also contains the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, hypromellose, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide and polyethylene glycol. Structure

10 OVERDOSAGE 10.1 Human Experience Worldwide exposure to fluoxetine hydrochloride is estimated to be over 38 million patients (circa 1999). Of the 1,578 cases of overdose involving fluoxetine hydrochloride, alone or with other drugs, reported from this population, there were 195 deaths. Among 633 adult patients who overdosed on fluoxetine hydrochloride alone, 34 resulted in a fatal outcome, 378 completely recovered, and 15 patients experienced sequelae after overdosage, including abnormal accommodation, abnormal gait, confusion, unresponsiveness, nervousness, pulmonary dysfunction, vertigo, tremor, elevated blood pressure, impotence, movement disorder, and hypomania. The remaining 206 patients had an unknown outcome. The most common signs and symptoms associated with non‐fatal overdosage were seizures, somnolence, nausea, tachycardia, and vomiting. The largest known ingestion of fluoxetine hydrochloride in adult patients was 8 grams in a patient who took fluoxetine alone and who subsequently recovered. However, in an adult patient who took fluoxetine alone, an ingestion as low as 520 mg has been associated with lethal outcome, but causality has not been established. Among pediatric patients (ages 3 months to 17 years), there were 156 cases of overdose involving fluoxetine alone or in combination with other drugs. Six patients died, 127 patients completely recovered, 1 patient experienced renal failure, and 22 patients had an unknown outcome. One of the six fatalities was a 9‐year‐old boy who had a history of OCD, Tourette’s syndrome with tics, attention deficit disorder, and fetal alcohol syndrome. He had been receiving 100 mg of fluoxetine daily for 6 months in addition to clonidine, methylphenidate, and promethazine. Mixed‐drug ingestion or other methods of suicide complicated all 6 overdoses in children that resulted in fatalities. The largest ingestion in pediatric patients was 3 grams which was nonlethal. Other important adverse reactions reported with fluoxetine overdose (single or multiple drugs) include coma, delirium, ECG abnormalities (such as nodal rhythm, QT interval prolongation and ventriculararrhythmias, including Torsades de Pointes‐type arrhythmias), hypotension, mania, neuroleptic malignant syndrome‐like reactions, pyrexia, stupor, and syncope. 10.2 Animal Experience Studies in animals do not provide precise or necessarily valid information about the treatment of human overdose. However, animal experiments can provide useful insights into possible treatment strategies. The oral median lethal dose in rats and mice was found to be 452 and 248 mg/kg, respectively. Acute high oral doses produced hyperirritability and convulsions in several animal species. Among 6 dogs purposely overdosed with oral fluoxetine, 5 experienced grand mal seizures. Seizures stopped immediately upon the bolus intravenous administration of a standard veterinary dose of diazepam. In this short‐term study, the lowest plasma concentration at which a seizure occurred was only twice the maximum plasma concentration seen in humans taking 80 mg/day, chronically. In a separate single‐dose study, the ECG of dogs given high doses did not reveal prolongation of the PR, QRS, or QT intervals. Tachycardia and an increase in blood pressure were observed. Consequently, the value of the ECG in predicting cardiac toxicity is unknown. Nonetheless, the ECG should ordinarily be monitored in cases of human overdose [see Overdosage (10.3)]. 10.3 Management of Overdose For current information on the management of fluoxetine overdose, contact a certified poison control center (1-800-222-1222 or www.poison.org). Treatment should consist of those general measures employed in the management of overdosage with any drug. Consider the possibility of multi-drug overdose. Ensure an adequate airway, oxygenation, and ventilation. Monitor cardiac rhythm and vital signs. Use general supportive and symptomatic measures. Induction of emesis is not recommended. Activated char …

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Fluoxetine Tablets, USP are available containing fluoxetine hydrochloride, USP equivalent to 10 mg or 20 mg of fluoxetine with a functional score for oral administration. Fluoxetine Tablets USP, 10 mg are white film-coated, oval tablet with score on one side of the tablet and debossed with “L553” on the other side. NDC 46708-242-30 30 Tablets HDPE Bottle Pack NDC 46708-242-31 100 Tablets HDPE Bottle Pack NDC 46708-242-91 1,000 Tablets HDPE Bottle Pack Fluoxetine Tablets USP, 20 mg are white film-coated, oval tablet with score on one side of the tablet and debossed with “L554” on the other side. NDC 46708-243-30 30 Tablets HDPE Bottle Pack NDC 46708-243-31 100 Tablets HDPE Bottle Pack NDC 46708-243-91 1,000 Tablets HDPE Bottle Pack 16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from light. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP using a child-resistant closure. PHARMACIST: Dispense a Medication Guide with each prescription.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
126,825
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: FLUOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
46708-242-30 46708-242 Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited 30 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (46708-242-30) April 15, 2017
46708-242-31 46708-242 Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited 100 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (46708-242-31) April 15, 2017
46708-242-91 46708-242 Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited 1000 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (46708-242-91) April 15, 2017
46708-243-30 46708-243 Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited 30 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (46708-243-30) April 15, 2017
46708-243-31 46708-243 Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited 100 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (46708-243-31) April 15, 2017
46708-243-91 46708-243 Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited 1000 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (46708-243-91) April 15, 2017
43598-632-01 43598-632 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc. 100 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (43598-632-01) January 28, 2019
43598-632-30 43598-632 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc. 30 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (43598-632-30) January 28, 2019
16714-114-01 16714-114 NorthStar Rx LLC 30 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (16714-114-01) September 18, 2019
51672-5306-2 51672-5306 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. 500 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (51672-5306-2) February 15, 2019
51672-5306-6 51672-5306 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. 30 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (51672-5306-6) February 15, 2019
46708-242 46708-242 Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited — April 15, 2017
46708-243 46708-243 Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited — April 15, 2017
43598-632 43598-632 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc. — January 28, 2019
16714-114 16714-114 NorthStar Rx LLC — September 18, 2019
51672-5306 51672-5306 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. — February 15, 2019

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.