Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LUVOX versus SARAFEM.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LUVOX versus SARAFEM.
LUVOX vs SARAFEM
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI); increases serotonergic activity by blocking reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic neurons.
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.
Initial dose 50 mg orally once daily at bedtime, titrated by 50 mg increments every 4-7 days to effective dose; usual therapeutic range 100-300 mg/day divided once daily (at bedtime) or twice daily if tolerated. Maximum dose 300 mg/day.
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
Clinical Note
moderateFluvoxamine + Deferasirox
"The serum concentration of Deferasirox can be increased when it is combined with Fluvoxamine."
Clinical Note
moderateFluvoxamine + Desmopressin
"The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Fluvoxamine is combined with Desmopressin."
Clinical Note
moderateFluvoxamine + Tenofovir disoproxil
"The metabolism of Tenofovir disoproxil can be decreased when combined with Fluvoxamine."
Clinical Note
moderateFluvoxamine + Clotrimazole
The terminal elimination half-life is approximately 15-20 hours but may be prolonged in patients with hepatic impairment or with advanced age. Steady-state is typically achieved within 7-10 days of chronic dosing.
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.
Approximately 94% of a dose is excreted in urine, mostly as conjugated and oxidized metabolites, with 2% as unchanged drug. Fecal excretion accounts for less than 4%.
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 C
Category C
SSRI Antidepressant
SSRI Antidepressant
"The metabolism of Clotrimazole can be decreased when combined with Fluvoxamine."