Duloxetine Available Strengths
Duloxetine is available in three strengths: 20 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg delayed-release capsules. 1
FDA-Approved Formulations
According to the FDA drug label, duloxetine hydrochloride delayed-release capsules are available as: 1
20 mg capsules: Green opaque/green opaque, size '4' hard gelatin capsule filled with white to off-white pellets, imprinted with 'X' on cap and '01' on body with black ink 1
30 mg capsules: Blue opaque/white opaque, size '3' hard gelatin capsule filled with white to off-white pellets, imprinted with 'X' on blue cap and '02' on white body with black ink 1
60 mg capsules: Blue opaque/green opaque, size '1' hard gelatin capsule filled with white to off-white pellets, imprinted with 'X' on blue cap and '03' on green body with black ink 1
Clinical Dosing Context
The 30 mg and 60 mg strengths are the most commonly prescribed formulations in clinical practice: 2
Standard starting dose: 30 mg once daily for one week, then increase to 60 mg once daily 3, 2
Therapeutic dose for most indications: 60 mg once daily is the target maintenance dose for major depressive disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain 3, 4
Maximum approved dose: 120 mg daily (administered as 60 mg twice daily) 3, 5
The 20 mg strength is less commonly used but provides flexibility for dose adjustments in special populations or when tapering the medication. 2