Is It Safe To Open Fluoxetine Capsules?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not it is safe to open fluoxetine capsules.
Is it safe to open a fluoxetine capsule of 20mg into a glass of water if you have trouble swallowing them?
Aug 02, 2021- You can safely open regular fluoxetine capsules and sprinkle the powder on soft foods like applesauce or pudding, though the powder tastes bitter.
- Do not open fluoxetine capsules labeled as extended-release or delayed-release, such as Prozac Weekly.
- A liquid fluoxetine formulation is available if you have difficulty swallowing capsules.
Hi Hanna and thanks for reaching out to us.
It is perfectly safe to pull apart Prozac (fluoxetine) capsules and sprinkle the powder over a spoonful of food, or a small amount of liquid if you have trouble swallowing the capsule.
The taste powder isn’t the best though (very bitter!), so I would have another spoonful of food or drink ready to chase it with.
Food Or Drink Options
When opening capsules is an option for a particular medication, I personally recommend sprinkling the contents onto a spoonful of applesauce or pudding. It seems to be the best tolerated.
Water is not the ideal option since most drug powders you find in a capsule aren't soluble in water (i.e. won't dissolve) and if you are putting the contents of a capsule in a glass of water, there is a good chance some of the powder will stick to the sides of the glass, so you could be underdosing yourself. Pudding or similar foods are usually the way to go.
Can You Open All Capsules?
I do want to mention to you that Prozac also comes in a once-weekly formulation (i.e. Prozac Weekly). This formulation is delayed-release and should not be opened, so keep that in mind if you ever have your therapy changed.
As a general rule of thumb, as long as the medication you are taking doesn’t say extended-release, delayed-release, or specifically not to open the capsule, it’s usually safe to open.
This isn't a blanket statement, however, as some immediate-release capsules shouldn't be opened, as the contents could be irritating to the esophagus (for one example).
Additionally, some medications should be taken on an empty stomach or may interact with food, so you will need to check each individual medication with your doctor or pharmacist (fluoxetine is fine with or without food)
Final Words
Lastly, there actually is a liquid fluoxetine formulation commercially available, fluoxetine 20mg/5mL solution. You might want to ask your pharmacist or physician what medications you take are available in a liquid form if you have trouble swallowing.
Thanks for your question!
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Fluoxetine
- A prescription antidepressant medication sold under the brand name Prozac that helps treat depression and anxiety.
- Capsules
- A type of medication container made of gelatin or plant material that holds powder or liquid inside and dissolves in your stomach.
- Soluble
- Able to dissolve completely in a liquid like water.
- Underdosing
- Taking less of a medication than prescribed, which may reduce its effectiveness.
- Extended-release
- A medication formulation designed to release the drug slowly over many hours so you take it less frequently.
- Delayed-release
- A medication formulation that is designed to pass through the stomach intact and release the drug in the intestines instead.
- Esophagus
- The tube in your throat that carries food and liquids from your mouth down to your stomach.
- Formulation
- The specific way a medication is prepared and packaged, such as a tablet, capsule, or liquid.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
More answers from Brian →