Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Pimozide
Severity: Major
Hydrocodone 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 sedating and adds to opioid CNS and respiratory depression. Pimozide also prolongs the QT interval and has a narrow therapeutic index, which makes the combination more hazardous in vulnerable patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone 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.
Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Pimozide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression; pimozide is a dopamine antagonist with sedative properties and QT prolonging effects.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise use low opioid doses and monitor sedation, breathing and ECG when risk factors for QT prolongation exist.
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 Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone 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 Hydrocodone with Pimozide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrocodone 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 sedating and adds to opioid CNS and respiratory depression. Pimozide also prolongs the QT interval and has a narrow therapeutic index, which makes the combination more hazardous in vulnerable patients.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone 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 if possible; otherwise use low opioid doses and monitor sedation, breathing and ECG when risk factors for QT prolongation exist.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydrocodone page.
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