Drug interactions
Dexfenfluramine + Pimozide
Severity: Moderate
Dexfenfluramine and Pimozide: 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
Dexfenfluramine is a serotonergic anorectic and has opposing stimulant-like effects to pimozide's sedation. Serotonergic activity with an antipsychotic could also, in theory, affect mental state and cardiac conduction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexfenfluramine and Pimozide 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.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic opposition between serotonergic anorectic activity and dopamine blockade; the mechanism is not well established.
What to do
Monitor mental status and heart rate, and obtain an ECG if cardiac symptoms occur. Since dexfenfluramine has been withdrawn in many countries, consider alternatives.
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 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 Dexfenfluramine with Pimozide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexfenfluramine and Pimozide 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. Dexfenfluramine is a serotonergic anorectic and has opposing stimulant-like effects to pimozide's sedation. Serotonergic activity with an antipsychotic could also, in theory, affect mental state and cardiac conduction.
How serious is the interaction between Dexfenfluramine and Pimozide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor mental status and heart rate, and obtain an ECG if cardiac symptoms occur. Since dexfenfluramine has been withdrawn in many countries, consider alternatives.
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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