Pimozide Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

PIMOZIDE (PI moe zide) helps to reduce the muscle and speech tics that are caused by Tourette's syndrome.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dementia

• heart disease

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• Parkinson's disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to pimozide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• aprepitant

• arsenic trioxide

• certain macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin, dirithromycin, erythromycin

• chloroquine

• cimetidine

• cisapride

• clozapine

• conivaptan

• cyclobenzaprine

• dalfopristin; quinupristin

• diltiazem

• droperidol

• grapefruit juice

• haloperidol

• halothane

• imatinib

• isoniazid

• levomethadyl

• local anesthetics

• maprotiline

• medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole

• medicines used to treat ADHD like amphetamine, dexmethylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate

• methadone

• mifepristone

• nicardipine

• pemoline

• pentamidine

• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

• quinine

• ranolazine

• sodium phosphates

• some medicines for HIV

• some medicines for treating heart-rhythm problems

• some medicines for treating depression or other mental illness such as citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, and nefazodone

• some quinolone antibiotics

• tacrolimus

• telithromycin

• vardenafil

• verapamil

• zafirlukast

• zileuton

• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• barbiturates, like phenobarbital

• bosentan

• carbamazepine

• ciprofloxacin

• enoxacin

• isoniazid (INH)

• levodopa

• medicines for sleep or anxiety

• medicines for treating seizures

• norfloxacin

• pain relievers

• rifampin

• some medicines for treating asthma

• some medicines for treating pain

• tacrine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Only stop taking this medicine on advice of your doctor or health care professional.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not drink grapefruit juice products while taking this medicine. This can increase the chance of developing serious heart problems.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• change in emotion or behavior such as feeling depressed, angry, or anxious

• fast, slow or irregular heartbeat

• fever or chills, sore throat

• inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs

• loss of balance or difficulty walking

• seizures

• spasms of the face, tongue, or mouth

• tremors or trembling

• uncontrollable tongue or mouth movements

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness; especially on standing from a sitting or lying position

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• sexual difficulties

• weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.