Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 9/11/2025

Prescribing Atomoxetine for Poor CYP2D6 Metabolizers

Understanding CYP2D6 Metabolism and Atomoxetine

  • Approximately 5-8% of the Caucasian population are poor metabolizers (PMs) of CYP2D6, a genetically polymorphic enzyme responsible for the primary metabolism of atomoxetine 1

Clinical Considerations for Poor Metabolizers

  • Failing to identify CYP2D6 metabolizer status before initiating therapy can lead to excessive drug exposure and adverse effects in poor metabolizers, according to the American Academy of Clinical Pharmacology 2