Can you take Interferon alfa-2b with Pimozide?
1 drug interaction and 51 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- interferon alfa-2b
- pimozide
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:
pimozide interferon alfa-2b
Applies to: pimozide and interferon alfa-2b
Using interferon alfa-2b together with pimozide may increase the levels of pimozide and affect the rhythm of your heart.
Contact your doctor if you experience:
- irregular heartbeat
- chest tightness
- blurred vision
- nausea
You may need a dose adjustment or special test if you use both medications.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Food/lifestyle interactions
Major food/lifestyle interactions
Major:
pimozide Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: pimozide
You should avoid the consumption of large amounts of grapefruits and grapefruit juice while taking pimozide. Grapefruit can raise the levels of pimozide in your body. This can affect the rhythm of your heart and cause other side effects.
Call your doctor if you have symptoms of blurred vision or nausea. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or fast or pounding heartbeats during treatment with pimozide.
Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with pimozide.
Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of pimozide such as:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- difficulty concentrating
Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Disease interactions
50 potential interactions Applies to: 39 conditions, including Depression, Underactive Thyroid, Heart Failure, Seizures, and Peripheral Neuropathy.
Abnormal Electrocardiogram
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Abnormal Electrocardiogram.
The use of pimozide is contraindicated in patients with congenital or acquired QT interval prolongation syndromes or a history of cardiac arrhythmias. Pimozide can prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram. The risk of torsade de pointes is progressively increased as the degree of prolongation becomes greater. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may augment the prolongation effect of pimozide on the QT interval and should be corrected prior to institution of pimozide therapy. In addition, patients who experience frequent, severe, or prolonged diarrhea may be subject to electrolyte losses and should be followed closely and managed accordingly during therapy with pimozide. Because sudden deaths have been reported in patients using pimozide, and electrocardiogram should be performed before starting treatment and periodically thereafter, especially during periods of dose adjustment.
Acute Alcohol Intoxication
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Acute Alcohol Intoxication.
The use of most miscellaneous antipsychotics is contraindicated in patients with severe central nervous system depression or comatose states from any cause (e.g., lesion, disease, drug or alcohol induced).
Alcoholism
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.
The use of neuroleptic agents is contraindicated in patients with acute alcohol intoxication exhibiting depressed vital signs. The central nervous system depressant effects of neuroleptic agents may be additive with those of alcohol. Severe respiratory depression and respiratory arrest may occur. Therapy with neuroleptic agents should be administered cautiously in patients who might be prone to acute alcohol intake.
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.
Antipsychotics can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures in a dose-dependent manner. Seizures have been reported in patients receiving antipsychotic therapy and may occur in epileptic patients even with maintenance of routine anticonvulsant treatment. Therapy with antipsychotics should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism. High dosages should be avoided if possible.
Moderate:
pimozide
Pimozide has a moderate potential interaction with Alcoholism.
Antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures in a dose-dependent manner. This risk is greatest in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions that lower the seizure threshold. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism.
Altered Consciousness
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Altered Consciousness.
The use of neuroleptic agents is contraindicated in comatose patients and patients with severe central nervous system depression. Neuroleptic agents may potentiate the CNS and respiratory depression in these patients.
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Altered Consciousness.
The use of most miscellaneous antipsychotics is contraindicated in patients with severe central nervous system depression or comatose states from any cause (e.g., lesion, disease, drug or alcohol induced).
Arrhythmia
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.
Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.
The use of pimozide is contraindicated in patients with congenital or acquired QT interval prolongation syndromes or a history of cardiac arrhythmias. Pimozide can prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram. The risk of torsade de pointes is progressively increased as the degree of prolongation becomes greater. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may augment the prolongation effect of pimozide on the QT interval and should be corrected prior to institution of pimozide therapy. In addition, patients who experience frequent, severe, or prolonged diarrhea may be subject to electrolyte losses and should be followed closely and managed accordingly during therapy with pimozide. Because sudden deaths have been reported in patients using pimozide, and electrocardiogram should be performed before starting treatment and periodically thereafter, especially during periods of dose adjustment.
Autoimmune Disorders
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Autoimmune Disorders.
Antiviral interferons may exacerbate autoimmune disorders such as myositis, thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or autoimmune hepatitis. Therapy should be avoided or administered with extreme caution in patients with autoimmune disorders.
Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts
Moderate:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.
Interferons (alfa and gamma) induce a dose-dependent, generally mild, myelosuppression. Leukopenia is the primary manifestation. Thrombocytopenia and anemia occur less frequently. Therapy with interferons (alfa and gamma) should be administered cautiously to patients with bone marrow suppression. Clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.
Breast Cancer
Moderate:
pimozide
Pimozide has a moderate potential interaction with Breast Cancer.
The chronic use of neuroleptic agents can cause persistent elevations in prolactin levels due to antagonism of dopamine D2 receptors. Based on in vitro data, approximately one-third of human breast cancers are thought to be prolactin-dependent. The clinical significance of this observation with respect to long-term neuroleptic therapy is unknown. Chronic administration of neuroleptic drugs has been associated with mammary tumorigenesis in rodent studies but not in human clinical or epidemiologic studies. Until further data are available, therapy with neuroleptic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a previously detected breast cancer. Caution is also advised in patients with preexisting hyperprolactinemia. Hyperprolactinemia may suppress hypothalamic gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), resulting in reduced pituitary gonadotropin secretion. This, in turn, may inhibit reproductive function by impairing gonadal steroidogenesis in both female and male patients. Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence have been reported in patients receiving prolactin-elevating compounds; however, the clinical significance of elevated serum prolactin levels is unknown for most patients. Long-standing hyperprolactinemia when associated with hypogonadism may lead to decreased bone density in both female and male patients.
Moderate:
pimozide
Pimozide has a moderate potential interaction with Breast Cancer.
Antipsychotic drugs can elevate serum prolactin concentrations, and this elevation persists during chronic administration. This should be considered if therapy will be prescribed in patients with previously detected breast cancer as one-third of human breast cancers are prolactin-dependent in vitro. Associated disturbances such as galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence have been reported. Appropriate laboratory testing and follow-up is advised.
Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.
Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.
Central Nervous System Disorders
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Central Nervous System Disorders.
Antipsychotics can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures in a dose-dependent manner. Seizures have been reported in patients receiving antipsychotic therapy and may occur in epileptic patients even with maintenance of routine anticonvulsant treatment. Therapy with antipsychotics should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism. High dosages should be avoided if possible.
Dementia
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Dementia.
Antipsychotic drugs are not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. Older patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death; although the causes were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (e.g., pneumonia) in nature. A causal relationship with antipsychotic use has not been established. In controlled trials in older patients with dementia-related psychosis, patients randomized to risperidone, aripiprazole, and olanzapine had higher incidence of cerebrovascular adverse events (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack), including fatalities, compared to patients treated with placebo.
Depression
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Depression.
Interferons (alfa or beta) can induce depression and suicidal behavior. Suicidal attempts and suicides have been reported. Therapy with interferons (alfa or beta) should be administered cautiously to patients with or predisposed to mental depression. Clinical monitoring of psychological status is recommended.
Diabetes Mellitus
Moderate:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
Flu-like symptoms frequently associated with interferon-alfa therapy can precipitate ketoacidosis in diabetic patients. Therapy with interferon alfa should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Clinical monitoring of blood glucose concentrations and anti-diabetic therapy is recommended.
Diarrhea
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Diarrhea.
The use of pimozide is contraindicated in patients with congenital or acquired QT interval prolongation syndromes or a history of cardiac arrhythmias. Pimozide can prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram. The risk of torsade de pointes is progressively increased as the degree of prolongation becomes greater. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may augment the prolongation effect of pimozide on the QT interval and should be corrected prior to institution of pimozide therapy. In addition, patients who experience frequent, severe, or prolonged diarrhea may be subject to electrolyte losses and should be followed closely and managed accordingly during therapy with pimozide. Because sudden deaths have been reported in patients using pimozide, and electrocardiogram should be performed before starting treatment and periodically thereafter, especially during periods of dose adjustment.
Electrolyte Abnormalities
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Electrolyte Abnormalities.
The use of pimozide is contraindicated in patients with congenital or acquired QT interval prolongation syndromes or a history of cardiac arrhythmias. Pimozide can prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram. The risk of torsade de pointes is progressively increased as the degree of prolongation becomes greater. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may augment the prolongation effect of pimozide on the QT interval and should be corrected prior to institution of pimozide therapy. In addition, patients who experience frequent, severe, or prolonged diarrhea may be subject to electrolyte losses and should be followed closely and managed accordingly during therapy with pimozide. Because sudden deaths have been reported in patients using pimozide, and electrocardiogram should be performed before starting treatment and periodically thereafter, especially during periods of dose adjustment.
Gastrointestinal Obstruction
Moderate:
pimozide
Pimozide has a moderate potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.
Most neuroleptic agents have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Clozapine and low- potency agents such as chlorpromazine and thioridazine tend to exhibit the greatest degree of anticholinergic effects in the class, while haloperidol as well as the newer, atypical agents like quetiapine, risperidone and ziprasidone have generally been associated with very low frequencies of anticholinergic adverse effects. Therapy with neuroleptic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders.
Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension
Moderate:
pimozide
Pimozide has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.
Most neuroleptic agents have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Clozapine and low- potency agents such as chlorpromazine and thioridazine tend to exhibit the greatest degree of anticholinergic effects in the class, while haloperidol as well as the newer, atypical agents like quetiapine, risperidone and ziprasidone have generally been associated with very low frequencies of anticholinergic adverse effects. Therapy with neuroleptic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders.
Head Injury
Moderate:
pimozide
Pimozide has a moderate potential interaction with Head Injury.
Antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures in a dose-dependent manner. This risk is greatest in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions that lower the seizure threshold. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism.
Heart Failure
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.
Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.
Hyperprolactinemia
Moderate:
pimozide
Pimozide has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperprolactinemia.
The chronic use of neuroleptic agents can cause persistent elevations in prolactin levels due to antagonism of dopamine D2 receptors. Based on in vitro data, approximately one-third of human breast cancers are thought to be prolactin-dependent. The clinical significance of this observation with respect to long-term neuroleptic therapy is unknown. Chronic administration of neuroleptic drugs has been associated with mammary tumorigenesis in rodent studies but not in human clinical or epidemiologic studies. Until further data are available, therapy with neuroleptic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a previously detected breast cancer. Caution is also advised in patients with preexisting hyperprolactinemia. Hyperprolactinemia may suppress hypothalamic gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), resulting in reduced pituitary gonadotropin secretion. This, in turn, may inhibit reproductive function by impairing gonadal steroidogenesis in both female and male patients. Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence have been reported in patients receiving prolactin-elevating compounds; however, the clinical significance of elevated serum prolactin levels is unknown for most patients. Long-standing hyperprolactinemia when associated with hypogonadism may lead to decreased bone density in both female and male patients.
Moderate:
pimozide
Pimozide has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperprolactinemia.
Antipsychotic drugs can elevate serum prolactin concentrations, and this elevation persists during chronic administration. This should be considered if therapy will be prescribed in patients with previously detected breast cancer as one-third of human breast cancers are prolactin-dependent in vitro. Associated disturbances such as galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence have been reported. Appropriate laboratory testing and follow-up is advised.
Hyperthyroidism
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid abnormalities, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, have been reported in patients administered interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously to patients with thyroid dysfunction. If thyroid control cannot be maintained within normal limits with medication, interferon-alfa should be discontinued. Clinical monitoring of thyroid function is recommended.
Hypokalemia
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Hypokalemia.
The use of pimozide is contraindicated in patients with congenital or acquired QT interval prolongation syndromes or a history of cardiac arrhythmias. Pimozide can prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram. The risk of torsade de pointes is progressively increased as the degree of prolongation becomes greater. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may augment the prolongation effect of pimozide on the QT interval and should be corrected prior to institution of pimozide therapy. In addition, patients who experience frequent, severe, or prolonged diarrhea may be subject to electrolyte losses and should be followed closely and managed accordingly during therapy with pimozide. Because sudden deaths have been reported in patients using pimozide, and electrocardiogram should be performed before starting treatment and periodically thereafter, especially during periods of dose adjustment.
Ischemic Heart Disease
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.
Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.
Liver Disease
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Hepatotoxicity, including fatal cases, has been reported in patients treated with interferon alpha. Additionally, the risk of hepatic decompensation and death is increased in patients with cirrhosis. Any patient developing liver function abnormalities during treatment should be monitored closely and treatment should be discontinued if appropriate. Interferon-alfa is contraindicated in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and decompensated liver disease.
Moderate:
pimozide
Pimozide has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Pimozide is extensively metabolized by the liver, and both parent drug and metabolites are eliminated by the kidney. Patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function may be at greater risk for adverse effects due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with pimozide should be administered cautiously in such patients.
Magnesium Imbalance
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Magnesium Imbalance.
The use of pimozide is contraindicated in patients with congenital or acquired QT interval prolongation syndromes or a history of cardiac arrhythmias. Pimozide can prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram. The risk of torsade de pointes is progressively increased as the degree of prolongation becomes greater. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may augment the prolongation effect of pimozide on the QT interval and should be corrected prior to institution of pimozide therapy. In addition, patients who experience frequent, severe, or prolonged diarrhea may be subject to electrolyte losses and should be followed closely and managed accordingly during therapy with pimozide. Because sudden deaths have been reported in patients using pimozide, and electrocardiogram should be performed before starting treatment and periodically thereafter, especially during periods of dose adjustment.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.
The central dopaminergic blocking effects of neuroleptic agents may precipitate or aggravate a potentially fatal symptom complex known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). NMS is observed most frequently when high-potency agents like haloperidol are administered intramuscularly, but may occur with any neuroleptic agent given for any length of time. Clinical manifestations of NMS include hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis and cardiac arrhythmias). Additional signs may include elevated creatine phosphokinase, myoglobinuria, and acute renal failure. Neuroleptic agents should not be given to patients with active NMS and should be immediately discontinued if currently being administered in such patients. In patients with a history of NMS, introduction or reintroduction of neuroleptic agents should be carefully considered, since NMS may recur.
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a potentially fatal symptom complex, has been reported in association with the use of antipsychotic drugs. The diagnostic evaluation is complicated and the management requires immediate discontinuation of the antipsychotic therapy and intensive symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring. If a patient that has recovered from NMS requires antipsychotic drug treatment again, the reintroduction of therapy should be carefully considered as NMS recurrences have been reported.
Neutropenia
Moderate:
pimozide
Pimozide has a moderate potential interaction with Neutropenia.
The use of antipsychotics has been associated with events of leukopenia, neutropenia and agranulocytosis. Possible risk factors include preexisting low white blood cell count, and history of drug induced leukopenia/neutropenia. Patients with these risk factors should have complete blood count monitored frequently during the first few months of therapy. Patients should also be monitored for any signs or symptoms of infection. Treatment should be discontinued in any patient who develops a sore throat, fever, stomatitis, or other signs of infection along with a low WBC count or severe neutropenia (ANC < 1000/mm3).
Parkinsonism
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Parkinsonism.
Reversible CNS effects such as seizures, mental status changes, manic behavior or psychotic reactions, gait disturbances, and dizziness have occurred in patients receiving interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures, psychiatric disorders, or conditions affecting posture or gait.
Moderate:
pimozide
Pimozide has a moderate potential interaction with Parkinsonism.
The use of neuroleptic agents is associated with pseudo-parkinsonian symptoms such as akinesia, bradykinesia, tremors, pill-rolling motion, cogwheel rigidity, and postural abnormalities including stooped posture and shuffling gait. The onset is usually 1 to 2 weeks following initiation of therapy or an increase in dosage. Older neuroleptic agents such as haloperidol are more likely to induce these effects, and their use may be contraindicated in patients with Parkinson's disease or parkinsonian symptoms.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Moderate:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a moderate potential interaction with Peripheral Neuropathy.
Paresthesia and numbness have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to peripheral neuropathy.
Pituitary Tumor
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Pituitary Tumor.
Pimozide may have a tumorigenic potential and has been shown to cause a dose-related increase in pituitary tumors in mice. When treated for up to 18 months, pituitary gland changes that occurred were characterized as hyperplasia at doses approximating the human dose and adenoma at doses about 15 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/kg basis. The full significance of this finding is unknown but should be considered when prescribing pimozide, particularly in patients with preexisting pituitary tumors.
Psychosis
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Psychosis.
Reversible CNS effects such as seizures, mental status changes, manic behavior or psychotic reactions, gait disturbances, and dizziness have occurred in patients receiving interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures, psychiatric disorders, or conditions affecting posture or gait.
Renal Dysfunction
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Proteinuria (rare), not associated with a decrease in serum protein, is the most common renal toxicity observed with interferon- alfa therapy. Increased BUN and serum creatinine levels, hematuria, acute renal failure and nephrotic syndrome have also been reported. Therapy with interferon alfa should be administered cautiously to patients with severe renal dysfunction. Renal function should be evaluated in all patients before initiation of interferon- alfa therapy. In addition, patients with any degree of renal impairment should be carefully monitored for laboratory abnormalities and decreased creatinine clearance. A reduced dose of medication is recommended in patients with low CrCl (less than 50 mL/min - 30 mL/min).
Moderate:
pimozide
Pimozide has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Pimozide is extensively metabolized by the liver, and both parent drug and metabolites are eliminated by the kidney. Patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function may be at greater risk for adverse effects due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with pimozide should be administered cautiously in such patients.
Respiratory Arrest
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Respiratory Arrest.
The use of neuroleptic agents is contraindicated in comatose patients and patients with severe central nervous system depression. Neuroleptic agents may potentiate the CNS and respiratory depression in these patients.
Seizures
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Seizures.
Reversible CNS effects such as seizures, mental status changes, manic behavior or psychotic reactions, gait disturbances, and dizziness have occurred in patients receiving interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures, psychiatric disorders, or conditions affecting posture or gait.
Moderate:
pimozide
Pimozide has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.
Antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures in a dose-dependent manner. This risk is greatest in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions that lower the seizure threshold. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism.
Tardive Dyskinesia
Moderate:
pimozide
Pimozide has a moderate potential interaction with Tardive Dyskinesia.
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) has occurred in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs; the syndrome consists of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic movements. The risk appears highest in older patients (particularly older women) but it is not possible to predict which patients are likely to develop TD; whether antipsychotic drugs differ in their potential to cause TD is unknown. The risk of TD and the likelihood that it will become irreversible increase with the duration of therapy and the total cumulative dose. The syndrome can develop after relatively brief treatment periods, even at low dosages; it may also occur after discontinuation of therapy. TD may remit (partially or completely) upon discontinuation of antipsychotic therapy, although antipsychotic therapy itself may suppress (or partially suppress) signs/symptoms of TD, possibly masking the underlying process; the effect of symptomatic suppression on the long-term course of TD is unknown. In patients with preexisting drug-induced TD, initiating or increasing the dosage of antipsychotic therapy may temporarily mask the symptoms of TD but could eventually worsen the condition. In patients requiring chronic therapy, the lowest dose and shortest duration of therapy producing a satisfactory clinical response are recommended; the need for continued therapy should be reassessed periodically. If signs/symptoms of TD occur during antipsychotic therapy, discontinuation of the offending agent should be considered; however, some patients may require treatment despite the presence of TD.
Tic Disorder
Major:
pimozide
Pimozide has a major potential interaction with Tic Disorder.
Pimozide is contraindicated in the treatment of simple tics or tics other than those associated with Tourette's Disorder.
Ulcerative Colitis
Moderate:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a moderate potential interaction with Ulcerative Colitis.
Fatal and nonfatal ulcerative or hemorrhagic/ischemic colitis have been observed within 12 weeks of the start of alpha interferon treatment. Abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and fever are the typical manifestations. Treatment should be discontinued immediately in patients who develop these signs and symptoms. The colitis usually resolves within 1 to 3 weeks of discontinuation of alpha interferons.
Underactive Thyroid
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Underactive Thyroid.
Thyroid abnormalities, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, have been reported in patients administered interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously to patients with thyroid dysfunction. If thyroid control cannot be maintained within normal limits with medication, interferon-alfa should be discontinued. Clinical monitoring of thyroid function is recommended.
Urinary Retention
Moderate:
pimozide
Pimozide has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.
Most neuroleptic agents have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Clozapine and low- potency agents such as chlorpromazine and thioridazine tend to exhibit the greatest degree of anticholinergic effects in the class, while haloperidol as well as the newer, atypical agents like quetiapine, risperidone and ziprasidone have generally been associated with very low frequencies of anticholinergic adverse effects. Therapy with neuroleptic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders.
More resources
interferon alfa-2b
A total of 272 drugs are known to interact with interferon alfa-2b.
- Interferon alfa-2b is in the drug class antineoplastic interferons.
- Interferon alfa-2b is used to treat the following conditions:
pimozide
A total of 780 drugs are known to interact with pimozide.
- Pimozide is in the drug class miscellaneous antipsychotic agents.
- Pimozide is used to treat Tourette's Syndrome.
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
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