Drug interactions
Pimozide + Quinine
Severity: Contraindicated
Pimozide and Quinine: 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
Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and quinine also inhibits CYP2D6, potentially raising pimozide levels. The combination markedly raises the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pimozide and Quinine 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; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation with quinine inhibition of CYP2D6-mediated pimozide metabolism.
What to do
Do not co-administer; use an alternative antimalarial or antipsychotic. If quinine is essential, stop pimozide and monitor the ECG.
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 Quinine
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Quinine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Quinine 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 Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Pimozide and Quinine 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. Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and quinine also inhibits CYP2D6, potentially raising pimozide levels. The combination markedly raises the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death.
How serious is the interaction between Pimozide and Quinine?
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 co-administer; use an alternative antimalarial or antipsychotic. If quinine is essential, stop pimozide and monitor the ECG.
What other medicines interact with Quinine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Quinine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Quinine page.
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