Drug interactions
Artemether + Pimozide
Severity: Contraindicated
Artemether and Pimozide: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Artemether (usually with lumefantrine) can prolong the QT interval, and pimozide has a similar effect. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether and Pimozide are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel blockade; artemether may also modestly affect CYP3A4.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use and choose a non-QT-prolonging antimalarial where possible. If antimalarial treatment is essential, hold pimozide and monitor ECG.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether with Pimozide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Artemether and Pimozide are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Artemether (usually with lumefantrine) can prolong the QT interval, and pimozide has a similar effect. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether and Pimozide?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use and choose a non-QT-prolonging antimalarial where possible. If antimalarial treatment is essential, hold pimozide and monitor ECG.
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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