Drug interactions
Bedaquiline + Pimozide
Severity: Major
Bedaquiline and Pimozide: major interaction.
Last updated
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
Both drugs prolong the QT interval, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes and other serious ventricular arrhythmias. Pimozide has a narrow margin for QT effects and is especially hazardous with other QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bedaquiline 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.
Bedaquiline belongs to Anti Bacterial; Pimozide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel (hERG) blockade.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise obtain a baseline ECG, monitor the QTc regularly and correct potassium, magnesium and calcium. Stop one agent if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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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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 Bedaquiline
- Bedaquiline + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Alfuzosin + Bedaquiline Major
- Amiodarone + Bedaquiline Major
- Amisulpride + Bedaquiline Major
- Amitriptyline + Bedaquiline Major
- Amobarbital + Bedaquiline Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bedaquiline with Pimozide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bedaquiline 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. Both drugs prolong the QT interval, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes and other serious ventricular arrhythmias. Pimozide has a narrow margin for QT effects and is especially hazardous with other QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Bedaquiline 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 obtain a baseline ECG, monitor the QTc regularly and correct potassium, magnesium and calcium. Stop one agent if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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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