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Chemical Name: PIMOZIDE (PIM-oh-zide)
This medicine is an antipsychotic agent used to manage the symptoms of
schizophrenia and Tourette's syndrome. It may also be used to treat other
conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM
YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that
you are taking. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking an antifungal
agent, astemizole, cisapride, fluvoxamine, macrolide antibiotics, sertraline,
terfenadine, or zileuton. Other medicines which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc
prolongation in the EKG) should not be taken with pimozide. These medicines
include dofetilide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, amiodarone (and other
Class Ia and Class III anti-arrhythmics), sparfloxacin, gatifloxacin,
moxifloxacin, halofantrine, mefloquine, pentamidine, arsenic trioxide,
levomethadyl acetate, dolasetron mesylate, probucol, tacrolimus, and ziprasidone
among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal,
irregular heartbeats. If you are currently taking any of these medicines consult
your doctor or pharmacist before taking pimozide in order to minimize the risk
of this effect. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies,
pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you
have a history of irregular heartbeat, or low blood levels of potassium or
magnesium. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or
concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. AVOID
DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at
room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a
tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS
MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2
doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITHOUT CHECKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST if you
are already taking erythromycin, Biaxin (clarithromycin), Zithromax (azithromycin),
or TAO (troleandomycin). If you have any questions about taking this medicine
with any medicines that you are currently taking, check with your doctor or
pharmacist. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your
doctor. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE
DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine
alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or
to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
while you are taking this medicine. This medicine will add to the effects of
alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about
which medicines are depressants. DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED in hot weather or
during exercise or other activities since heatstroke may occur. FOR WOMEN: IF
YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks
of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS
EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dry mouth, blurred
vision, drowsiness, or change in sexual ability. If they continue or are
bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
if you experience difficulty in talking or swallowing, drooling, mask-like face,
tremors of hands, shuffling walk or stiff arms or legs, or other unusual body
movements. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include weakness, fatigue, dizziness,
decreased sexual ability, numbness, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, and
seizures.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT
USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the
reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain
refills before your supply runs out.
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