Drug interactions
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate + Pimozide
Severity: Contraindicated
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Pimozide: contraindicated 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
Erythromycin slows the breakdown of pimozide and raises its blood levels, and both drugs can independently prolong the QT interval. This can lead to torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Pimozide are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of pimozide, and both drugs have additive QT-prolonging effects.
What to do
Do not combine. Use a non-interacting antibiotic such as azithromycin with ECG consideration, or another suitable class.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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References
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 Erythromycin ethylsuccinate with Pimozide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Pimozide are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Erythromycin slows the breakdown of pimozide and raises its blood levels, and both drugs can independently prolong the QT interval. This can lead to torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Pimozide?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not combine. Use a non-interacting antibiotic such as azithromycin with ECG consideration, or another suitable class.
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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