Drugs

Pimozide : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Pimozide : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Pimozide is a first-generation typical antipsychotic drug,  indicated for treatment of the motor and phonic tics of Tourette disorder (Gilles de la Tourett’s syndrome and ticks) & positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
Dose : 2-6 mg
Route : Oral
Plasma Half-life : 55-66 hours
Duration of action : N/A
Bioavailability : 40-50%
Chemical formula : C28H29F2N3O
IUPAC name : 1-[1-[4,4-bis(4-fluorophenyl)butyl]-4-piperidinyl]-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazole-2-one
Trade name : Orap, Neurap, Pimodac
Therapeutic uses : Pimozide has following usage :

  • Primarily indicated for treatment of the motor and phonic tics of Tourette disorder (Gilles de la Tourett’s syndrome and ticks)
  • Indicated as anti-psychotic drug for treating psychoses particularly Schizophrenia. It is most effective in treating positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
  • It is not recommended when psychomotor agitation is prominent.
  • Can be used as anti-emetic agent thus, useful in the prevention of nausea and vomiting, particularly treatment of drug-induced nausea. It is effective in morning sickness but not in motion sickness.
  • Can be used as tranquilizers to manage agitated and disruptive behavior secondary to other disorders.
  • May relieve anxiety but should not be used for simple anxiety because of autonomic and extrapyramidal side effects.
  • May be used for Organic brain syndromes on a short-term basis.

Side effects :  Adverse effects of the Pimozide can occur in practically all patients and are significant in about 80% ; Pimozide may produce following side effects:

  • CNS ailments like Sedation, drowsiness, lethargy, mental confusion, increased appetite, weight gain, aggravation of seizures
  • CVS effects including Postural (orthostatic)hypotension, palpitation, inhibition of ejaculation, Q-T prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias
  • Anticholinergic effects such as Dry mouth, blurring of vision, constipation, urinary hesitancy in elderly males
  • Extrapyramidal disturbances (extrapyramidal symptoms EPS) such as Parkinsonism, Acute muscular dystonias, Akathisia, Malignant neuroleptic syndrome, Tardive dyskinesia
  • Blue pigmentation of exposed skin,
  • Corneal and lenticular opacities, retinal degeneration
  • Cholestatic jaundice
  • Skin rashes, urticaria, contact dermatitis, photosensitivity

Contraindications :

  • It should be used cautiously in patients with seizure disorders (since it may lower the seizure threshold)or those with an increased risk for seizures, such as withdrawal from alcohol.

For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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