Drug interactions
Pimozide + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Pimozide and Rifampin: 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
Rifampin strongly induces CYP3A4, which contributes to pimozide metabolism, so pimozide exposure may fall and symptom control may be lost. Stopping rifampin later may allow pimozide levels to rise again, with a risk of QT prolongation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pimozide and Rifampin 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
Rifampin induction of CYP3A4 (and possibly CYP2D6) increases pimozide clearance.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and consider pimozide dose titration, with ECG monitoring when doses are raised. Reassess dose when rifampin is discontinued.
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 Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Pimozide and Rifampin 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. Rifampin strongly induces CYP3A4, which contributes to pimozide metabolism, so pimozide exposure may fall and symptom control may be lost. Stopping rifampin later may allow pimozide levels to rise again, with a risk of QT prolongation.
How serious is the interaction between Pimozide and Rifampin?
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 clinical response and consider pimozide dose titration, with ECG monitoring when doses are raised. Reassess dose when rifampin is discontinued.
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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