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|Pindolol Pindolol

Pindolol

Generic name:
Brand names: Pindolol

Why is Pindolol prescribed?

Pindolol, a type of medication known as a beta blocker, is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is effective alone or combined with other high blood pressure medications, particularly with a thiazide-type diuretic. Beta blockers decrease the force and rate of heart contractions.

Most important fact about Pindolol

You must take pindolol regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of pindolol; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Pindolol does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

How should you take Pindolol?

Pindolol can be taken with or without food.

Take Pindolol exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Try not to miss any doses. If Pindolol is not taken regularly, your condition may worsen.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it"s within 4 hours of your next scheduled dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking pindolol.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal discomfort, chest pain, difficult or labored breathing, dizziness, fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain or cramps, nausea, nervousness, strange dreams, swelling due to fluid retention, tingling or pins and needles, trouble sleeping, weakness

Why should Pindolol not be prescribed?

If you have bronchial asthma; severe congestive heart failure; inadequate blood supply to the circulatory system (cardiogenic shock); heart block (a heart irregularity); or a severely slow heartbeat, you should not take Pindolol.

Special warnings about Pindolol

If you have had severe congestive heart failure in the past, pindolol should be used with caution.

Pindolol should not be stopped suddenly. It can cause increased chest pain and heart attack. Dosage should be gradually reduced.

If you suffer from asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, seasonal allergies or other bronchial conditions, coronary artery disease, or kidney or liver disease, Pindolol should be used with caution.

Ask your doctor if you should check your pulse while taking pindolol. This medication can cause your heartbeat to become too slow.

This medication may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar in diabetics or alter blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, discuss this with your doctor.

Pindolol may cause you to become disoriented. If it has this effect on you, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended.

If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, inform your doctor before taking pindolol.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking pindolol if you have a medical emergency and before you have surgery or dental treatment.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Pindolol

If pindolol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining pindolol with the following:

Airway-opening drugs such as Proventil and Ventolin
Blood pressure drugs such as reserpine
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Epinephrine (EpiPen)
Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
Insulin or oral antidiabetic agents such as Micronase
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin
Ritodrine (Yutopar)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur, others)
Thioridazine (Mellaril)
Verapamil (Calan, Verelan)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of pindolol during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Pindolol appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Pindolol is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Pindolol is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Your doctor will determine the dosage according to your specific needs.

The usual starting dose is 5 milligrams, 2 times per day, alone or with other high blood pressure medication. Your blood pressure should be lower in 1 to 2 weeks. If blood pressure is not reduced sufficiently within 3 to 4 weeks, your doctor may increase your total daily dosage by 10 milligrams at a time, at 3 to 4 week intervals, up to a maximum of 60 milligrams a day.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of pindolol have not been established in children.

OLDER ADULTS

The doctor will determine dosage for an elderly individual based on his or her particular needs.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of pindolol overdose may include:
  Bronchospasm (spasm of the air passages), excessively slow heartbeat, heart failure, low blood pressure