Pimozide and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Because there is no published experience with pimozide during breastfeeding, other drugs are preferred.

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date. Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in breastfed infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on lactation and breastmilk

Pimozide can cause hyperprolactinemia.[1,2] The hyperprolactinemia is caused by the drug's dopamine-blocking action in the tuberoinfundibular pathway.[3]

Alternative drugs to consider

Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone

References

1. Delitala G, Masala A, Alagna S. Suppression of pimozide-induced prolaction secretion by piridoxine (vitamin B6). Biomedicine 1977;27:190-2
2. Fiore L, Scapagnini U, Canonico PL. Effect of dihydroergocryptine and dihydroergocristine on cyclic AMP accumulation and prolactin release in vitro: Evidence for a dopaminomimetic action. Horm Res 1987;25:171-73032757 PubMed
3. Maguire GA. Prolactin elevation with antipsychotic medications: Mechanisms of action and clinical consequences. J Clin Psychiatry 2002;63 (Suppl 4):56-6211913677 PubMed