Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Pimozide
Severity: Major
Fentanyl and Pimozide: major 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
Pimozide is a sedating antipsychotic with QT-prolonging potential, and it adds to fentanyl's CNS and respiratory depression. Opioids can contribute to hypotension and, at high doses, QT effects, which increases arrhythmia concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl 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.
Fentanyl belongs to Musculoskeletal; Pimozide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, with possible additive effects on QT interval.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and respiratory function. Obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and review other QT-prolonging drugs.
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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Other interactions of Fentanyl
- Alvimopan + Fentanyl Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Fentanyl 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 Fentanyl with Pimozide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fentanyl 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 is a sedating antipsychotic with QT-prolonging potential, and it adds to fentanyl's CNS and respiratory depression. Opioids can contribute to hypotension and, at high doses, QT effects, which increases arrhythmia concern.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl 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: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and respiratory function. Obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and review other QT-prolonging drugs.
What other medicines interact with Fentanyl?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fentanyl with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Fentanyl page.
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