Drug interactions
Pimozide + Vilanterol / fluticasone furoate inhaled
Severity: Major
Pimozide and Vilanterol / fluticasone furoate inhaled: major 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
Pimozide markedly prolongs the QT interval and carries a risk of torsades de pointes. Vilanterol, a long-acting beta-2 agonist, can add to this through hypokalemia and increased heart rate, and systemic exposure is low but not zero. The combination raises arrhythmia risk, especially in patients with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pimozide and Vilanterol / fluticasone furoate inhaled can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effects on cardiac repolarization and beta-adrenergic stimulation promoting arrhythmia.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-QT-prolonging alternative for airway disease. If used together, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor QTc and symptoms of palpitations.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Vilanterol / fluticasone furoate inhaled?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pimozide and Vilanterol / fluticasone furoate inhaled can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Pimozide markedly prolongs the QT interval and carries a risk of torsades de pointes. Vilanterol, a long-acting beta-2 agonist, can add to this through hypokalemia and increased heart rate, and systemic exposure is low but not zero. The combination raises arrhythmia risk, especially in patients with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Pimozide and Vilanterol / fluticasone furoate inhaled?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-QT-prolonging alternative for airway disease. If used together, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor QTc and symptoms of palpitations.
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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