Drug interactions
Pimozide + Pirbuterol
Severity: Moderate
Pimozide and Pirbuterol: 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
Pimozide prolongs the QT interval and pirbuterol, as a beta-agonist, can cause hypokalemia and tachycardia, which increases the risk of torsades de pointes. The combination may raise the likelihood of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pimozide and Pirbuterol 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
Additive proarrhythmic effects: beta-agonist-induced hypokalemia and tachycardia on top of pimozide QT prolongation.
What to do
Check serum potassium and magnesium and correct deficits; obtain an ECG if used regularly or at high doses. Avoid frequent high-dose pirbuterol use in patients on pimozide.
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 Pimozide with Pirbuterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Pimozide and Pirbuterol 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. Pimozide prolongs the QT interval and pirbuterol, as a beta-agonist, can cause hypokalemia and tachycardia, which increases the risk of torsades de pointes. The combination may raise the likelihood of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Pimozide and Pirbuterol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check serum potassium and magnesium and correct deficits; obtain an ECG if used regularly or at high doses. Avoid frequent high-dose pirbuterol use in patients on pimozide.
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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