Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PIMOZIDE - ORAL

(PIM-oh-zide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Orap

Uses

This medication works in the nervous system to help control involuntary or unconscious movements (tics) both physical and verbal. It is used to reduce tics in persons with Tourette's Disorder.

How To Use

Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not take this more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects will be increased. Your dose may be slowly and gradually increased or decreased at times to see if the tics continue. Follow any changes in dosing carefully. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly if you have been taking this for some time. Your dose should be gradually reduced over time. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at any time while using this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

Side Effects

Dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, stomach upset, change in appetite, or sleeplessness may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Blurred vision, change in sex drive, nervousness, muscle cramps, behavior changes, or menstrual changes may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor immediately of: mental confusion, difficulty speaking, sweating, tremors, drooling, stiff muscles, difficulty walking, unusual eye movements, chest pain, increased body heat, abnormal tongue/face/jaw movements (puffing cheeks, chewing, puckering mouth), seizures. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: low blood potassium or magnesium levels, history of irregular heartbeat. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pre-existing liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, glaucoma, prostate problems, any allergies. This medication may cause blurred vision. Use caution operating machinery or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Avoid alcohol intake while taking this medication. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: sertraline, zilueton, fluvoxamine. Tell your doctor of any prescription or nonprescription medication you may use, especially: narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), sedatives, macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin or phenobarbital), azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), nefazodone, benzodiazepines, mibefradil, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir). Other drugs besides pimozide which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include dofetilide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, and sparfloxacin among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

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.

Notes

Laboratory tests may be done periodically while taking this medication to monitor the effects. See your doctor regularly.

Missed Dose

Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.