Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Pitolisant
Severity: Major
Chlorpromazine and Pitolisant: major 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so taking them together may raise the risk of torsades de pointes and other ventricular arrhythmias. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or underlying cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine and Pitolisant 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.
Chlorpromazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Pitolisant belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through blockade of cardiac potassium channels; pitolisant is also metabolized by CYP2D6, which chlorpromazine inhibits.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc with correction of potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative antipsychotic with less QT effect.
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 Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Metrizamide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
Other interactions of Pitolisant
- Alfuzosin + Pitolisant Major
- Amiodarone + Pitolisant Major
- Amisulpride + Pitolisant Major
- Anagrelide + Pitolisant Major
- Asenapine + Pitolisant Major
- Bupropion + Pitolisant Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpromazine with Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpromazine and Pitolisant 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 can prolong the QT interval, so taking them together may raise the risk of torsades de pointes and other ventricular arrhythmias. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or underlying cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and Pitolisant?
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 the combination where possible, or obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc with correction of potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative antipsychotic with less QT effect.
What other medicines interact with Chlorpromazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorpromazine with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Droperidol. The full list is on the Chlorpromazine page.
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