pimozide /pim″əzīd/ , an antipsychotic agent from the diphenylbutylpiperidine class. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed for the suppression of motor and phonic tics associated with Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It may cause electrocardiography changes, including a prolonged QT interval, and should not be given to patients with a congenital prolonged QT interval or a history of cardiac arrhythmias. It also may lower the seizure threshold of patients who are also taking an anticonvulsant drug. It should not be taken concurrently with drugs that are inhibitors of CYP3a4 (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin). ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects are extrapyramidal effects, persistent tardive dyskinesia, sedation, drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, visual disturbances, and electrocardiograph changes.
