Chemical and Pharmaceutical Details
Chemical designation: Fluoxetine is designated as (±)-N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-[(α,α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]propylamine hydrochloride with an empirical formula of C17H18F3NO•HCl and molecular weight of 345.79 2
Available formulations: Fluoxetine is marketed under multiple brand names including Prozac® (for depression and other psychiatric conditions) and Sarafem® (specifically for premenstrual dysphoric disorder) 2
Dosage forms: Available as capsules (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg), oral solution (20 mg/5 mL), and delayed-release formulation (Prozac Weekly™ 90 mg capsules) 2
Clinical Classification
Drug class: Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and bicyclic antidepressant that potently and selectively inhibits neuronal serotonin reuptake 1, 3, 4
Pharmacokinetic properties: The parent compound has an elimination half-life of 1-4 days after single doses and approximately 4 days after long-term administration, while its active metabolite norfluoxetine has a half-life averaging 7 days 3, 4
Metabolism: Fluoxetine is metabolized primarily through cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 to its active metabolite desmethylfluoxetine (norfluoxetine), which also inhibits serotonin reuptake 1