Duloxetine (Oral Route) Proper Use (2024)

Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Swallow the delayed-release capsule whole with or without food. Do not chew, crush, or break the capsule. Do not open the Cymbalta® delayed-release capsule and sprinkle the contents on food or in liquids.

If you cannot swallow the Drizalma Sprinkle™ delayed-release capsule whole, you may do the following:

You may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents over one tablespoon (15 mL) of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away and do not save any of the mixture to use later.
You may open the capsule and pour the contents to an all plastic catheter tip syringe and add 50 mL of water. Do not use other liquids. Gently shake it for 10 seconds, and then use it through a nasogastric tube. Rinse with additional water (about 15 mL) if needed.

You will need to use this medicine for several weeks before you begin to feel better. Keep using the medicine even if you feel you are not getting better, and talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage form (delayed-release capsules):
- For treatment of anxiety:
  - Adults—At first, 60 milligrams (mg) once a day. Some patients may start at 30 mg once a day for 1 week before increasing the dose to 60 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 120 mg per day.
  - Older adults—At first, 30 mg once a day for 2 weeks before increasing the dose to 60 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 120 mg per day.
  - Children 7 years of age and older—At first, 30 mg once a day for 2 weeks before increasing the dose to 60 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 120 mg per day.
  - Children younger than 7 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of chronic muscle pain:
  - Adults—60 milligrams (mg) once a day. Some patients may start at 30 mg once a day for 1 week before increasing the dose to 60 mg once a day.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of depression:
  - Adults—40 milligrams (mg) per day (given as 20 mg two times per day) to 60 mg per day (given either once a day or as 30 mg two times per day). Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 120 mg per day.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy:
  - Adults—60 milligrams (mg) once a day.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of fibromyalgia:
  - Adults—60 milligrams (mg) once a day. Some patients may start at 30 mg once a day for 1 week before increasing the dose to 60 mg once a day.
  - Children 13 years of age and older—At first, 30 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
  - Children younger than 13 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Before Using
Precautions

Portions of this document last updated: Aug. 01, 2024