Characterization of the subcritical water extraction of Fluoxetine-Hydrochloride

► Stability of a model pharmaceutical, fluoxetine, is probed in subcritical water. ► Remarkable stability in terms of time and temperature are observed. ► Some interference from starch excipient gelatinization is noted and characterized. ► Subcritical water can also extract fluoxetine from Prozac capsules quantitatively. ► Potential for subcritical water extraction as a viable method for pharmaceuticals.