Drug interactions
Budesonide-formoterol + Pimozide
Severity: Major
Budesonide-formoterol 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
Pimozide markedly prolongs the QT interval and has been linked to torsades de pointes. Formoterol may add to this effect and lower potassium, which increases the risk of serious arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Budesonide-formoterol 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.
Budesonide-formoterol belongs to Respiratory; Pimozide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with beta-agonist-induced hypokalemia.
What to do
Avoid if possible and use an alternative bronchodilator regimen. If combined, obtain baseline and follow-up ECGs and keep potassium and magnesium normal.
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 Budesonide-formoterol
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 Budesonide-formoterol with Pimozide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Budesonide-formoterol 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. Pimozide markedly prolongs the QT interval and has been linked to torsades de pointes. Formoterol may add to this effect and lower potassium, which increases the risk of serious arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Budesonide-formoterol 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 and use an alternative bronchodilator regimen. If combined, obtain baseline and follow-up ECGs and keep potassium and magnesium normal.
What other medicines interact with Budesonide-formoterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Budesonide-formoterol with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Budesonide-formoterol page.
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