Can You Open Strattera Capsules?
No, Strattera (atomoxetine) capsules should not be opened—they must be taken whole. 1
FDA-Approved Administration Guidelines
- Atomoxetine capsules are not intended to be opened and should be taken whole 1
- The FDA drug label explicitly states this requirement as part of patient counseling information 1
- Capsules can be taken with or without food 1
Why Opening Capsules Is Dangerous
Crushing tablets or opening capsules can have serious clinical consequences:
- Alteration of drug absorption can result in potentially fatal overdose or conversely underdosing that renders treatment ineffective 2
- When sustained-release properties are disrupted, the active ingredient is no longer released gradually, resulting in overdose 2
- The active ingredient may degrade on contact with light, moisture, or food when mixed for administration 2
- The person opening the capsule is exposed to drug particles that may be carcinogenic, teratogenic, fetotoxic, or allergenic 2
Available Formulations
Atomoxetine is available in multiple capsule strengths to facilitate dosing without opening:
- 10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 100 mg capsules 1
- This range of strengths allows for precise dose titration without capsule manipulation 1
Dosing Flexibility Without Opening Capsules
- Atomoxetine can be administered either as a single daily dose in the morning OR as evenly divided doses in the morning and late afternoon/early evening 1
- For children and adolescents up to 70 kg: start at 0.5 mg/kg/day, target 1.2 mg/kg/day 1
- For children/adolescents over 70 kg and adults: start at 40 mg/day, target 80 mg/day 1
- The variety of capsule strengths allows appropriate dosing without opening 1
Clinical Pitfall to Avoid
Never attempt to open atomoxetine capsules to adjust doses or facilitate administration. If a patient cannot swallow capsules, consider alternative ADHD medications available in different formulations (liquids, chewables, or transdermal patches) rather than compromising the integrity of atomoxetine capsules 2. The multiple available strengths should accommodate most dosing needs without capsule manipulation 1.