Drug interactions
Pimozide + Ritonavir
Severity: Contraindicated
Pimozide and Ritonavir: 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
Ritonavir is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and can greatly increase pimozide exposure. This can cause QT prolongation, torsades de pointes and sudden death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pimozide and Ritonavir 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; Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Potent CYP3A4 inhibition reduces pimozide clearance.
What to do
Do not coadminister. Use an alternative antipsychotic or antiretroviral regimen.
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 Pimozide
- Adagrasib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Anagrelide + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ritonavir
- Alfuzosin + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Ritonavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pimozide with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Pimozide and Ritonavir 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. Ritonavir is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and can greatly increase pimozide exposure. This can cause QT prolongation, torsades de pointes and sudden death.
How serious is the interaction between Pimozide and Ritonavir?
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 coadminister. Use an alternative antipsychotic or antiretroviral regimen.
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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