Drug interactions
Pimozide + Rifabutin
Severity: Moderate
Pimozide and Rifabutin: 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
Rifabutin induces CYP3A4, and pimozide is partly metabolised by CYP3A4 (as well as CYP1A2 and CYP2D6). Pimozide exposure may fall and the therapeutic effect may be reduced; the induction by rifabutin is weaker than that by rifampicin.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pimozide and Rifabutin 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 belongs to Central Nervous System; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of pimozide by rifabutin.
What to do
Monitor for loss of symptom control and adjust the pimozide dose as needed. Reassess the dose if rifabutin is stopped, as levels will rise again.
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
Other interactions of Rifabutin
- Cabotegravir + Rifabutin Contraindicated
- Lorlatinib + Rifabutin Contraindicated
- Rifabutin + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Rifabutin Major
- Axitinib + Rifabutin Major
- Brexpiprazole + Rifabutin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pimozide with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Pimozide and Rifabutin 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. Rifabutin induces CYP3A4, and pimozide is partly metabolised by CYP3A4 (as well as CYP1A2 and CYP2D6). Pimozide exposure may fall and the therapeutic effect may be reduced; the induction by rifabutin is weaker than that by rifampicin.
How serious is the interaction between Pimozide and Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for loss of symptom control and adjust the pimozide dose as needed. Reassess the dose if rifabutin is stopped, as levels will rise again.
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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