Does Pimozide Interact with Paroxetine Hydrochloride Hemihydrate?
Pimozide and Paroxetine Hydrochloride Hemihydrate have a contraindicated drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Paroxetine increases pimozide AUC by 151% and Cmax by 62%, leading to increased QT prolongation risk. Contraindicated due to narrow therapeutic index. The mechanism involves cyp2d6 inhibition by paroxetine. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Contraindicated
- Pimozide Class
- Typical Antipsychotic
- Management
- Do not take together
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Pimozide and Paroxetine Hydrochloride Hemihydrate occurs because cyp2d6 inhibition by paroxetine. Clinically, this means paroxetine increases pimozide auc by 151% and cmax by 62%, leading to increased qt prolongation risk. contraindicated due to narrow therapeutic index. Because of the severity of this interaction, these medications are contraindicated — meaning they should not be taken together under any circumstances. If you are currently taking both, contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss alternatives.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Pimozide and your doctor is considering prescribing Paroxetine Hydrochloride Hemihydrate (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask about alternative medications that do not interact with your current regimen
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider