Table 4.

CPIC Dosing Recommendations for Atomoxetine based on CYP2D6 Genotype for Adults (2019)

CYP2D6 metabolizer phenotypeActivity scoreImplicationTherapeutic recommendationClassification of Recommendationa
Ultrarapid>2.25Based on very limited data available for CYP2D6 ultrarapid metabolizers taking atomoxetine, it is unlikely ultrarapid metabolizers would achieve adequate serum concentrations for the intended effect at standard dosingInitiate with a dose of 40 mg/day and increase to 80 mg/day after 3 days
If no clinical response and in the absence of adverse events after 2 weeks, consider increasing dose to 100 mg/day
If no clinical response observed after 2 weeks, consider obtaining a peak plasma concentration (1 to 2 hours after dose administered)
If <200 ng/ml, consider a proportional increase in dose to approach 400 ng/mlb,c
Dosages greater than 100 mg/day may be needed to achieve target concentrationsd
Moderate
Normal1.25–2.25Normal metabolizers of atomoxetine have a lower likelihood of response as compared with poor metabolizers. This is associated with increased discontinuation due to lack of efficacy as compared with poor metabolizersInitiate with a dose of 40 mg/day and increase to 80 mg/day after 3 days
If no clinical response and in the absence of adverse events after 2 weeks, consider increasing dose to 100 mg/day
If no clinical response observed after 2 weeks, consider obtaining a peak plasma concentration (1 to 2 hours after dose administered)
If <200 ng/ml, consider a proportional increase in dose to approach 400 ng/mlb,c
Dosages greater than 100 mg/day may be needed to achieve target concentrationsd
Moderate
Intermediate>0–<1.25Decreased metabolism of atomoxetine higher atomoxetine concentrations as compared with normal metabolizers. Intermediate metabolizers may be at an increased risk of discontinuation as compared with poor metabolizersInitiate with a dose of 40 mg/day and if no clinical response and in the absence of adverse events after 2 weeks increase dose to 80 mg/day
If response is inadequate after 2 weeks consider obtaining a plasma concentration 2–4 h after dosing
If concentration is <200 ng/ml, consider a proportional dose increase to achieve a concentration to approach 400 ng/mlb,c
If unacceptable side effects are present at any time, consider a reduction in dose
Moderate
Poor0Significantly decreased metabolism of atomoxetine may result in higher concentrations as compared with non-poor metabolizers. This may increase the occurrence of treatment-emergent side effects, but also a greater improvement of ADHD symptoms as compared with non-poor metabolizers in those who tolerate treatment. Poor metabolizer status is associated with lower final dose requirements as compared with non-poor metabolizersInitiate with a dose of 40 mg/day and if no clinical response and in the absence of adverse events after 2 weeks increase dose to 80 mg/day
If response is inadequate after 2 weeks consider obtaining a plasma concentration 2–4 h after dosing.
If concentration is <200 ng/ml, consider a proportional dose increase to achieve a concentration to approach 400 ng/mlb,c
If unacceptable side effects are present at any time, consider a reduction in dose
Moderate

AS: Activity score.

a

Rating scheme described in the Supplement.
bTherapeutic range of 200 to 1000 ng/ml has been proposed (27).
cLimited data are available regarding the relationship between atomoxetine plasma concentrations and clinical response. Available information suggests that clinical response is greater in poor metabolizers (PMs) compared with non-PMs and may be related to the higher plasma concentrations 1 to 1.5 hours after dosing in PMs compared with non-PMs administered a similar dose. Furthermore, modest improvement in response, defined as reduction in ADHD rating scale (ADHD-RS), is observed at peak concentrations greater than 400 ng/ml.
dDoses above 120 mg/day have not been evaluated.

This Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) table is adapted from (3).

From: Atomoxetine Therapy and CYP2D6 Genotype

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