Available Doses of Strattera (Atomoxetine)
Strattera (atomoxetine) is available in capsule formulations of 10,18,25,40,60,80, and 100 mg strengths. 1
Dosing Information
Atomoxetine dosing varies based on patient weight and age:
For Children and Adolescents up to 70 kg:
- Initial dose: 0.5 mg/kg/day
- Target dose: 1.2 mg/kg/day (after minimum of 3 days)
- Maximum dose: 1.4 mg/kg/day or 100 mg daily, whichever is less
- Can be administered as a single morning dose or divided into morning and late afternoon doses
For Adults and Children over 70 kg:
- Initial dose: 40 mg daily
- Target dose: 80 mg daily (after minimum of 3 days)
- Maximum dose: 100 mg daily
- Can be administered as a single morning dose or divided into morning and late afternoon doses
Special Dosing Considerations
Hepatic Impairment:
- Moderate impairment (Child-Pugh Class B): Reduce to 50% of normal dose
- Severe impairment (Child-Pugh Class C): Reduce to 25% of normal dose
CYP2D6 Poor Metabolizers or Patients Taking CYP2D6 Inhibitors:
- Children and adolescents up to 70 kg: Start at 0.5 mg/kg/day, increase to target dose only if needed after 4 weeks
- Adults and children over 70 kg: Start at 40 mg/day, increase to target dose only if needed after 4 weeks
Administration Guidelines
- Atomoxetine can be taken with or without food
- Capsules should be taken whole, not opened
- No tapering is required when discontinuing
- Safety of single doses over 120 mg and total daily doses above 150 mg has not been systematically evaluated
Clinical Considerations
- Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication for ADHD that works by selectively inhibiting presynaptic norepinephrine reuptake 2
- Unlike stimulant medications, atomoxetine has negligible abuse potential and is not a controlled substance 3
- Common side effects include headache, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, vomiting, somnolence, and nausea 2
- Atomoxetine may be particularly useful for patients with comorbid anxiety or tics, those at risk for substance abuse, or those who prefer not to take a controlled substance 3
The effectiveness of atomoxetine has been demonstrated in multiple randomized controlled trials, showing significant improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to placebo 4.