Last update April 15, 2026

Atomoxetine Hydrochloride

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Oral administration once or twice daily.

Its high plasma protein binding and large volume of distribution explain the negligible transfer into breast milk observed. (Yamada 2026)

Increased drowsiness, without any serious complications, has been reported in two infants whose mothers were taking the drug. (Besag 2014)

Until more published data is known about this drug in relation to breastfeeding, known safer alternatives are preferable, especially during the neonatal period and in the event of prematurity.

Alternatives

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Atomoxetine Hydrochloride is also known as


Atomoxetine Hydrochloride in other languages or writings:

Group

Atomoxetine Hydrochloride belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Atomoxetine Hydrochloride in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 63 - 94 %
Molecular weight 292 daltons
Protein Binding 98 %
VD 0.85 l/Kg
Tmax 1 - 2 hours
3.6 - 21 hours
Theoretical Dose 0.002 - 0.006 mg/Kg/d
Relative Dose 0.19 - 0.65 %

References

  1. Yamada E, Trehan S, Stark A, Krutsch K, Datta P. Atomoxetine as a Viable ADHD Treatment in Breastfeeding Mothers: Evidence From Human Milk Pharmacokinetic Analysis. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2026 Jan-Feb 01;46(1):16-22. Abstract
  2. De Hondt L, Cosemans C, Plusquin M, Mangelings D, Van Eeckhaut A, Tommelein E. Quantification of ADHD medication in biological fluids of pregnant and breastfeeding women with liquid chromatography: a comprehensive review. Front Public Health. 2024 Aug 7;12:1437328. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  3. Kittel-Schneider S, Quednow BB, Leutritz AL, McNeill RV, Reif A. Parental ADHD in pregnancy and the postpartum period - A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021 May;124:63-77. Abstract
  4. Ornoy A, Koren G. The Effects of Drugs used for the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on Pregnancy Outcome and Breast-feeding: A Critical Review. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021;19(11):1794-1804. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  5. AEMPS. Atomoxetina (Atamax). Ficha técnica. 2020 Full text (in our servers)
  6. Lilly. Atomoxetina (Strattera). Drug Summary. 2020 Full text (in our servers)
  7. Besag FM. ADHD treatment and pregnancy. Drug Saf. 2014 Jun;37(6):397-408. Abstract
  8. Cui YM, Teng CH, Pan AX, Yuen E, Yeo KP, Zhou Y, Zhao X, Long AJ, Bangs ME, Wise SD. Atomoxetine pharmacokinetics in healthy Chinese subjects and effect of the CYP2D6*10 allele. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2007 Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  9. Sauer JM, Ring BJ, Witcher JW. Clinical pharmacokinetics of atomoxetine. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2005 Abstract
  10. MotherToBaby. Atomoxetine (Strattera®).. 2025 Mar. MotherToBaby | Fact Sheets [Internet]. Brentwood (TN): Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); 1994-. Abstract Full text (link to original source)

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