Drug interactions
Ciprofloxacin + Pimozide
Severity: Major
Ciprofloxacin and Pimozide: 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
Pimozide strongly prolongs the QT interval and carries a risk of torsades de pointes. Ciprofloxacin adds QT prolongation, and pimozide labeling advises against combining it with other QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ciprofloxacin 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.
Ciprofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Pimozide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination and choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic. If unavoidable, obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes, and monitor QTc closely.
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 Ciprofloxacin
- Agomelatine + Ciprofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Ciprofloxacin Major
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 Ciprofloxacin with Pimozide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ciprofloxacin 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 strongly prolongs the QT interval and carries a risk of torsades de pointes. Ciprofloxacin adds QT prolongation, and pimozide labeling advises against combining it with other QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Ciprofloxacin 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 the combination and choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic. If unavoidable, obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes, and monitor QTc closely.
What other medicines interact with Ciprofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ciprofloxacin with, for example, Agomelatine, Fezolinetant, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Ciprofloxacin page.
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