aprepitant vs pimozide
Side-by-side comparison of aprepitant and pimozide. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
major Known Drug Interaction
Table 10: Effects of Aprepitant on the Pharmacokinetics of Other Drugs CYP3A4 Substrates Pimozide Clinical Impact Increased pimozide exposure Intervention Aprepitant is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Table 10: Effects of Aprepitant on the Pharmacokinetics of Other Drugs CYP3A4 Substrates Pimozide Clinical Impact Increased pimozide exposure Intervention Aprepitant is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4 )] .
Recommendation: Do not take these two medications together because the combination is unsafe.
Emend
Orap
Aprepitant (Emend) is a medicine that helps prevent nausea and vomiting. It belongs to a class of drugs called NK1 receptor antagonists.
Pimozide (Orap) is a medicine that helps control tics in people with Tourette's Disorder. It works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain.
Aprepitant is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It can be used for both strong and moderate chemotherapy treatments. It is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery in adults.
Pimozide is used to treat motor and phonic tics in people with Tourette's Disorder. It is for people who have not had success with other treatments. This medicine is not for tics that are mild or just annoying. It is meant for people whose tics greatly affect their daily life.
Aprepitant blocks a substance in your body called substance P. Substance P can trigger nausea and vomiting. By blocking it, aprepitant helps reduce these side effects.
Pimozide belongs to a class of drugs called antipsychotics. It works by blocking dopamine, a chemical in the brain. By blocking dopamine, pimozide helps to reduce tics.
- • Tiredness
- • Diarrhea
- • Weakness
- • Upset stomach
- • Stomach pain
- • Parkinson-like symptoms (tremors, stiffness)
- • Restlessness
- • Muscle stiffness
- • Drowsiness
- Feeling sick to your stomach 2,147
- Tiredness 1,769
- Fever 1,589
- Diarrhea 1,543
- Difficulty breathing 1,508
- Interaction with another medicine 76
- Parkinson-like symptoms 42
- Weight gain 37
- Sleepiness 33
- Low blood pressure 29
Aprepitant can interact with other medicines. It can affect how well warfarin (a blood thinner) and hormonal birth control work. If you take warfarin, your doctor will check your blood. If you use hormonal birth control, use a backup method while taking aprepitant and for 28 days after your last dose.
Pimozide can cause changes in your heart rhythm (QT prolongation). This can lead to serious heart problems. You should have an ECG (heart test) before starting pimozide and regularly during treatment. Do not take pimozide with other medicines that can also affect your heart rhythm.
There is not enough information about the safety of aprepitant during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if aprepitant passes into breast milk, so discuss breastfeeding with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if pimozide will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking pimozide during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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How to Read This aprepitant vs pimozide Comparison
aprepitant is classified in the NK1 Receptor Antagonist (Antiemetic) drug class, while pimozide sits within the Typical Antipsychotic class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, aprepitant has 8,556 submissions while pimozide has 217. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known major interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to aprepitant stops the body from breaking down pimozide, which can cause pimozide to build up to dangerous levels in the blood.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between aprepitant and pimozide - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.