Drug interactions
Aripiprazole + Pimavanserin
Severity: Major
Aripiprazole and Pimavanserin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Pimavanserin prolongs the QT interval and its labeling advises against use with other QT-prolonging drugs. Aripiprazole adds a small effect, and antipsychotic combinations also raise mortality concerns in elderly dementia patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aripiprazole and Pimavanserin 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.
Aripiprazole belongs to Central Nervous System; Pimavanserin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QTc prolongation.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible and choose a single antipsychotic. If both are required, monitor ECG and electrolytes.
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
- Abilify 1 mg/mL Oral Solution - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: medicinal products known to cause QT prolongation; "If aripiprazole is administered concomitantly with medicinal products known to cause QT prolongation or electrolyte imbalance, caution should be used.") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Aripiprazole + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Aripiprazole Major
- Aripiprazole + Arsenic trioxide Major
- Aripiprazole + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Major
- Aripiprazole + Carbamazepine Major
Other interactions of Pimavanserin
- Lefamulin + Pimavanserin Contraindicated
- Pimavanserin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Pimavanserin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Pimavanserin Major
- Amiodarone + Pimavanserin Major
- Amisulpride + Pimavanserin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aripiprazole with Pimavanserin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Aripiprazole and Pimavanserin 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. Pimavanserin prolongs the QT interval and its labeling advises against use with other QT-prolonging drugs. Aripiprazole adds a small effect, and antipsychotic combinations also raise mortality concerns in elderly dementia patients.
How serious is the interaction between Aripiprazole and Pimavanserin?
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 combining where possible and choose a single antipsychotic. If both are required, monitor ECG and electrolytes.
What other medicines interact with Aripiprazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Aripiprazole with, for example, Pimozide, Thioridazine, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Aripiprazole page.
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