Pindolol (By mouth)
PIN-doe-lol
Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is a beta-blocker.
Drug classes
Antianginal, Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Pindolol is used alone or together with other medicines (such as hydrochlorothiazide) to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled .
This medicine is a beta-blocker. It works by affecting the response to nerve impulses in certain parts of the body, like the heart. As a result, the heart beats slower and decreases the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen is increased to the heart .
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription .
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines and foods can affect how pindolol works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Reserpine ThioridazineWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to pindolol, or if you have asthma or certain heart problems. Talk with your doctor about what these heart problems are.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, heart failure, overactive thyroid, diabetes, bronchitis, emphysema, or severe allergic reactions.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Heart failureDo not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely. The risk of chest pain and heart attack is higher if you stop using this medicine too quickly.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing, tiredness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Feeling dizzy
Muscle pain
Trouble sleeping
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Alti-Pindolol, Visken
There may be other brand names for this medicine.