Chemical formula:

Pindolol tablets
What are pindolol tablets?
PINDOLOL (Visken®) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. Pindolol controls, but does not cure, high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure may not make you feel sick, but it can lead to serious heart problems. Pindolol also relieves chest pain (angina). Generic pindolol tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm
circulation problems, or blood vessel disease (such as Raynaud's disease)
depression
diabetes
emphysema, or other lung disease
history of heart attack or heart disease, vasospastic angina
kidney disease
liver disease
muscle weakness or disease
pheochromocytoma
psoriasis
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to pindolol, other beta-blockers, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take pindolol tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
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 (less than 4 hours), take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with pindolol?
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
cimetidine
cocaine
digoxin
ergotamine
hawthorn
levodopa
medicines for diabetes
medicines for high blood pressure
medicine for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar)
reserpine
water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking pindolol?
Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking pindolol. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. It can be 2 weeks or longer before the full effect of pindolol in lowering blood pressure is seen.
Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how pindolol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks.
Pindolol can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking pindolol.
What side effects may I notice from taking pindolol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
confusion, hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that are not really there)
changes in blood sugar
chest pain
cold hands or feet
difficulty breathing, wheezing
difficulty sleeping, nightmares
dizziness or fainting spells
joint pain
muscle cramps or weakness
skin rash, itching, dry peeling skin
slow heart rate (less than 50 beats per minute)
swelling of the legs and ankles
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
dry sore eyes
hair loss
nausea
sexual difficulties (impotence or decreased sexual urges)
weakness or tiredness
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light, Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.