pimozide

Question 1

important interactions are to do with the following 2 factors

Answer 1

qt prolong
hypokalaemia

Question 2

decreased or increased appetite as a side effect?

Answer 2

decreased

Question 3

important monitoring

Answer 3

Following reports of sudden unexplained death, an ECG is recommended before treatment.

Question 4

can you give with other antipsychotics

Answer 4

pimozide should not be given with other antipsychotic drugs (including depot preparations)

due to its risk of qt prolongation

Question 5

true or false - pt should have annual ecg

Answer 5

true
recommended that patients taking pimozide should have an annual ECG (if the QT interval is prolonged, treatment should be reviewed and either withdrawn or dose reduced under close supervision)

Question 6

what to do if ecg shows that qt interval is prolonged

Answer 6

review treatment
either withdraw or reduce dose under close supervision

Question 7

avoid giving these with pimozide

Answer 7

other anti psychotics, tricyclic antidepressants or other drugs which prolong the QT interval, such as certain antimalarials, antiarrhythmic drugs and certain antihistamines and should not be given with drugs which cause electrolyte disturbances (especially diuretics)