This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Visken Consumer Information
VISKEN
Generic Name: pindolol (PIN doe lall)
Brand Names: Visken
What is the most important information I should know about pindolol?
- Do not stop taking pindolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping pindolol abruptly may cause your condition to become worse.
- Call your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Pindolol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
What is pindolol?
- Pindolol is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulatory system (arteries and veins).
- Pindolol is used to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Pindolol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pindolol?
- Do not take pindolol if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril). Taking these medicines together could result in dangerous, even fatal, irregular heartbeats.
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- asthma;
- heart problems such as low blood pressure, a slow heart rate, heart block, sick sinus syndrome, a pacemaker, heart failure, or others;
- diabetes;
- depression;
- thyroid disease;
- kidney disease;
- liver disease; or
- any type of circulation problems.
- You may not be able to take pindolol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Pindolol is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not, however, take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether pindolol passes into breast milk. Do not take pindolol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take pindolol?
- Take pindolol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Pindolol can be taken with or without food.
- Take pindolol at the same time every day whenever possible.
- Do not stop taking pindolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping pindolol abruptly may cause your condition to become worse.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a pindolol overdose include a slow heart beat, shortness of breath, fainting, dizziness, weakness, confusion, nausea, and vomiting.
What should I avoid while taking pindolol?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Pindolol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blood pressure changes. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking this medication.
- Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before having surgery.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.