Drug interactions
Pimozide + Saquinavir
Severity: Contraindicated
Pimozide and Saquinavir: 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
Saquinavir inhibits CYP3A4, increasing pimozide exposure, and itself prolongs QT and PR intervals. The combination carries a high risk of torsades de pointes and is contraindicated in labeling.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pimozide and Saquinavir 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.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition raising pimozide levels plus additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Do not combine. Use an alternative antiretroviral or antipsychotic.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pimozide with Saquinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Pimozide and Saquinavir 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. Saquinavir inhibits CYP3A4, increasing pimozide exposure, and itself prolongs QT and PR intervals. The combination carries a high risk of torsades de pointes and is contraindicated in labeling.
How serious is the interaction between Pimozide and Saquinavir?
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 antiretroviral or antipsychotic.
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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