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Pimozide: use in dermatology.
1Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Post Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. w.a.vanvloten@wxs.nl
Dermatology Online Journal
|March 18, 2003
Summary
Pimozide is a psychiatric medication also used for delusions of parasitosis in dermatology. Most dermatological studies are uncontrolled, highlighting a need for more rigorous research on its efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pimozide is a diphenylbutylpiperidine antipsychotic.
- It is commonly prescribed for chronic psychoses, schizophrenia, and Tourette syndrome.
- Its use in dermatology is limited to treating delusions of parasitosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the use of pimozide in dermatology.
- To assess the current evidence for its efficacy in treating delusions of parasitosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on pimozide in dermatology.
- Analysis of uncontrolled trials and case reports.
Main Results:
- Pimozide has a strong theoretical basis for treating delusions of parasitosis.
- The majority of existing studies are observational (uncontrolled trials and case reports).
- Limited high-quality evidence supports its dermatological use.
Conclusions:
- Pimozide is a potential treatment for delusions of parasitosis.
- Further well-controlled clinical trials are necessary to establish its efficacy and safety in dermatology.