Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: FLUOXETINE POSTPARTUM SAFETY versus SARAFEM.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: FLUOXETINE POSTPARTUM SAFETY versus SARAFEM.
Fluoxetine-Safety-Postpartum vs SARAFEM
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI); inhibits serotonin reuptake in the synaptic cleft, potentiating serotonergic activity in the CNS.
SARAFEM (fluoxetine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It potentiates serotonergic activity in the CNS by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at the presynaptic neuronal membrane, enhancing serotonin effects in the synaptic cleft.
20 mg orally once daily, initially; may increase after several weeks to a maximum of 80 mg/day. Administer in the morning.
10-20 mg orally once daily initially, may increase to 40 mg/day after 3 weeks if needed; maximum 80 mg/day
None Documented
None Documented
Fluoxetine: 4-6 days (acute), 4-6 weeks (chronic); norfluoxetine: 4-16 days. Steady-state achieved after 2-4 weeks.
Fluoxetine: 4-6 days after single dose, 4-16 days after chronic dosing; norfluoxetine: 4-16 days after single dose, up to 16-20 days after chronic dosing. The long half-life minimizes withdrawal symptoms and allows for once-weekly dosing.
Renal (80% as metabolites, 10% as unchanged drug) and fecal (15%)
Primarily renal excretion of fluoxetine (10%) and its active metabolite norfluoxetine (7.5%) as unchanged drug; the remainder is excreted as conjugates and other metabolites. Approximately 2.5% is excreted in feces.
Category A/B
Category C
SSRI Antidepressant
SSRI Antidepressant