Drug interactions
Lithium + Pimozide
Severity: Major
Lithium 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 prolongs the QT interval and can cause torsades de pointes, and lithium adds ECG changes and neurotoxicity risk. Reports exist of neurotoxicity with lithium plus antipsychotics. Combined use is avoided.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium 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.
Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System; Pimozide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and pharmacodynamic neurotoxic synergy.
What to do
Avoid if possible. If combined, obtain baseline and follow-up ECGs, keep potassium and magnesium normal, and monitor lithium level and neurological status.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium 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 Lithium with Pimozide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lithium 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 prolongs the QT interval and can cause torsades de pointes, and lithium adds ECG changes and neurotoxicity risk. Reports exist of neurotoxicity with lithium plus antipsychotics. Combined use is avoided.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium 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. If combined, obtain baseline and follow-up ECGs, keep potassium and magnesium normal, and monitor lithium level and neurological status.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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