Drug interactions
Pimozide + Propafenone
Severity: Contraindicated
Pimozide and Propafenone: contraindicated 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
Propafenone is a class IC antiarrhythmic that can prolong QRS and QT, and pimozide strongly prolongs QT. Propafenone also inhibits CYP2D6, which can raise pimozide exposure. The risk of torsades de pointes and ventricular arrhythmia is high.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pimozide and Propafenone 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.
Pimozide belongs to Central Nervous System; Propafenone belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation with propafenone inhibition of CYP2D6 raising pimozide concentrations.
What to do
Do not combine; use an alternative antiarrhythmic or antipsychotic. Check ECG and electrolytes if exposure has occurred.
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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Other interactions of Propafenone
- Dofetilide + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Propafenone + Ritonavir Contraindicated
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 Propafenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Pimozide and Propafenone 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. Propafenone is a class IC antiarrhythmic that can prolong QRS and QT, and pimozide strongly prolongs QT. Propafenone also inhibits CYP2D6, which can raise pimozide exposure. The risk of torsades de pointes and ventricular arrhythmia is high.
How serious is the interaction between Pimozide and Propafenone?
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 an alternative antiarrhythmic or antipsychotic. Check ECG and electrolytes if exposure has occurred.
What other medicines interact with Propafenone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propafenone with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Nilotinib. The full list is on the Propafenone page.
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