Drug interactions
Arformoterol + Pimozide
Severity: Major
Arformoterol and Pimozide: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Arformoterol, a long-acting beta-2 agonist, can cause hypokalemia, tachycardia and QT prolongation. Combined with pimozide, the risk of ventricular arrhythmia is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Arformoterol and Pimozide can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Arformoterol belongs to Respiratory; Pimozide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation with beta-2 agonist-mediated hypokalemia and increased heart rate.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise monitor ECG and serum potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative bronchodilator regimen or antipsychotic.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Pimozide
- Adagrasib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Anagrelide + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Arformoterol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Arformoterol with Pimozide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Arformoterol and Pimozide can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Arformoterol, a long-acting beta-2 agonist, can cause hypokalemia, tachycardia and QT prolongation. Combined with pimozide, the risk of ventricular arrhythmia is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Arformoterol and Pimozide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible; otherwise monitor ECG and serum potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative bronchodilator regimen or antipsychotic.
What other medicines interact with Pimozide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pimozide with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Pimozide page.
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