Drug interactions
Clozapine + Pitolisant
Severity: Moderate
Clozapine and Pitolisant: moderate 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
Pitolisant can prolong the QT interval and clozapine does as well, so together they may increase the risk of arrhythmia. Clozapine, with H1 and other receptor activity, may also oppose pitolisant's histamine-mediated wake-promoting effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clozapine and Pitolisant can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Clozapine belongs to Central Nervous System; Pitolisant belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation, with pharmacodynamic antagonism at histamine H3 and H1 receptors.
What to do
Obtain an ECG before and during combined use and correct electrolytes. Reassess pitolisant efficacy and consider an alternative if QTc rises.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Clozapine
- Clozapine + Deferiprone Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Clozapine Major
- Adagrasib + Clozapine Major
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 Clozapine with Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clozapine and Pitolisant can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Pitolisant can prolong the QT interval and clozapine does as well, so together they may increase the risk of arrhythmia. Clozapine, with H1 and other receptor activity, may also oppose pitolisant's histamine-mediated wake-promoting effect.
How serious is the interaction between Clozapine and Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain an ECG before and during combined use and correct electrolytes. Reassess pitolisant efficacy and consider an alternative if QTc rises.
What other medicines interact with Clozapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clozapine with, for example, Deferiprone, Irinotecan, Pimozide. The full list is on the Clozapine page.
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