Can Strattera Be Crushed?
No, Strattera (atomoxetine) capsules should NOT be crushed or opened under any circumstances. 1
Critical Safety Information
The FDA drug label explicitly states that Strattera capsules are not intended to be opened and must be swallowed whole with water or other liquids. 1 If you or your patient cannot swallow Strattera capsules whole, a different medication must be prescribed rather than attempting to crush or open the capsules. 1
Why Crushing Is Dangerous
Strattera is an ocular irritant. 1 The medication content poses specific hazards:
- Eye exposure: If capsule contents contact the eyes, immediate flushing with water is required, followed by medical evaluation 1
- Skin contact: Hands and any contaminated surfaces must be washed immediately 1
- Mucous membrane irritation: The powder can cause significant irritation to mucous membranes
Alternative Formulation Available
For patients who cannot swallow capsules, atomoxetine is available as an oral solution (4 mg/mL), which eliminates the need to manipulate capsules. 2 This liquid formulation should be prescribed instead.
Clinical Pitfall to Avoid
Do not instruct patients to open capsules and mix contents with food or liquid—this is explicitly contraindicated. 1 The general practice of crushing medications for ease of administration, while common in older adults with swallowing difficulties 3, is specifically dangerous and inappropriate for Strattera due to its irritant properties and formulation design.
If swallowing difficulty is identified, switch to the oral solution formulation rather than attempting any capsule manipulation. 1