Duloxetine Hydrochloride (3 brand names, 2 dosage forms, 1 route)
Available dosage forms: CAPSULE, DELAYED REL PELLETS, CAPSULE, DELAYED RELEASE.
Routes of administration: ORAL.
Brand Names
- CYMBALTA
- DRIZALMA SPRINKLE
- DULOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Boxed Warning
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies. These studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in patients over age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressant use in patients aged 65 and older [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . In patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy, monitor closely for worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Advise families and caregivers of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] .
Indications and Usage
Duloxetine delayed-release capsules is indicated for the treatment of: Major depressive disorder in adults Generalized anxiety disorder in adults and pediatric patients 7 years of age and older Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain in adults Fibromyalgia in adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older Chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults
Contraindications
The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with Duloxetine delayed-release capsules or within 5 days of stopping treatment with Duloxetine delayed-release capsules is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. The use of Duloxetine delayed-release capsules within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is contraindicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.8)and Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. Starting Duloxetine delayed-release capsules in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Dosage and Administration (2.9)and Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Adverse Reactions
The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults [see Boxed Warningand Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Orthostatic Hypotension, Falls and Syncope [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Increased Risk of Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Severe Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Discontinuation Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Activation of Mania/Hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Angle-Closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)] Increases in Blood Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)] Clinically Important Drug Interactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)] Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)] Urinary Hesitation and Retention [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15)] Sexual Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16)]
Drug Interactions
Both CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 are responsible for duloxetine metabolism.
Mechanism of Action
Although the exact mechanisms of the antidepressant, central pain inhibitory and anxiolytic actions of duloxetine in humans are unknown, these actions are believed to be related to its potentiation of serotonergic and noradrenergic activity in the CNS.