Pimozide - Definition

Pimozide

Uses

Pimozide is used in its oral preparation in schizophrenia, Gilles de la Tourette syndrome and chronic psychosis. In dermatology, it is used to treat delusions of parasitosis (the perception that one is infested with parasites).

Chemistry

Pimozide is a diphenylbutylpiperidine derivative, 1-[1-[4,4-bis(4-fluorophenyl)butyl]-4-piperidinyl]-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazole-2-one. The molecular weight is 461.56. The empirical formula is C₂₈H₂₉F₂N₃O.

Pharmacology

Pharmacokinetics

Plasma levels of pimozide can vary widely between patients, and in insufficient response therapeutic drug monitoring may be required to ascertain that the patient is developing adequate plasma levels before withdrawing the drug and attempting other antipsychotics

Pharmacodynamics

Pimozide is an inhibitor of the type 2 dopamine receptor (D2).

Side-effects

Pimozide has few side-effects. As with other dopamine antagonists Pimozide can cause tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Reference

• Van Vloten WA. Pimozide: Use in Dermatology. Dermatol Online J 2003;9(2):3 (fulltext (http://dermatology.cdlib.org/92/reviews/pimozide/vanvloten.html))

External link

• http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-o01.html (A medical white paper on its use)