Uses
What is pindolol used for?
Pindolol is commonly used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension).
Pindolol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does pindolol work (mechanism of action)?
Pindolol blocks beta receptors in your heart. These receptors normally bind to hormones called catecholamines. When catecholamines bind to these receptors, it causes your heart to beat harder and faster. Blocking these receptors helps your heart beat more slowly. These effects can help lower blood pressure, and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
How is pindolol supplied (dosage forms)?
Pindolol is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 5 mg oral tablets
- 10 mg oral tablets
How should I store pindolol?
Pindolol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container. Protect from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of pindolol?
The most common side effects of pindolol are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Dizziness
- Feeling unusually weak or tired
- Fluid retention
There may be other side effects of pindolol that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of pindolol?
While less common, the most serious side effects of pindolol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Heart Rate Changes. Pindolol can make your heart beat slower than normal (bradycardia). Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bradycardia.
- Feeling lightheaded, dizziness, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or easily tired
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Pindolol may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
New or Worsening Heart Failure. Pindolol may worsen existing heart failure or cause fluid buildup in your body. For individuals with underlying heart disease or heart damage, pindolol can potentially lead to heart failure over time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Unusually fast weight gain
- Unusual tiredness
Breathing Problems. Pindolol may cause the muscles around the airways to tighten (bronchospasm) instead of relaxing, which can be serious. Stop using pindolol and contact your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble breathing.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Pindolol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using pindolol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use pindolol?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use pindolol.
- Visken
- Pindolol
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific pindolol products they stock.
Breathing Problems. Pindolol should not be used by those with asthma or similar breathing problems.
Bradycardia. Pindolol should not be used if your heart is beating too slow (bradycardia).
Heart Block. Pindolol should not be used if the electrical signals in your heart move too slow (heart block).
Severe or Worsening Heart Failure. Pindolol should not be used if your heart failure is severe or getting worse, causing you to feel very tired, have trouble breathing, or swelling in your legs.
Cardiogenic Shock. Pindolol should not be used if you have a life-threatening condition called cardiogenic shock where your heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body.
What should I know about pindolol before using it?
Do not take pindolol unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share pindolol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep pindolol out of the reach of children.
Pindolol can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how pindolol affects you.
Stopping pindolol suddenly may lead to chest pain, heart attack or dangerous heart rhythms in people with heart disease. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your healthcare provider first.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using pindolol?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if pindolol is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart problems
- Breathing problems
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Thyroid problems
Diabetes. Pindolol can decrease early signs of low blood sugar, such as fast heartbeat, and make it more likely for the low blood sugar to be serious, especially for people with diabetes.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how pindolol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Pindolol passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop pindolol.
Interactions
Does pindolol interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between pindolol and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect pindolol. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking pindolol.
Does pindolol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking pindolol.
- Any medicine for irregular heart rate or rhythm
- Any medicine for high blood pressure
- Any medicine for diabetes
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of pindolol. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much pindolol?
If you or someone else has used too much pindolol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of pindolol?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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