Visken (Generic)

This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. Pindolol belongs to a class of medications called beta-blockers. It works by blocking the effects of certain natural substances (such as epinephrine) on the heart and blood vessels. This results in a lowering of the heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.

See also Warning section.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It may take 1-2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens (for example, if your routine blood pressure readings increase).

Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, and nausea may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

This drug may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Avoid tobacco use and dress warmly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain), bluish color of the fingers/toes/nails, hair loss (reversible), mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, depression, memory problems), pain/cramps in the muscles/joints, numbness/tingling, decreased sexual ability, vision changes, slow/irregular/fast heartbeat, severe dizziness/fainting.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking pindolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other beta-blockers (e.g., acebutolol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis), breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease-COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis), blood circulation problems (e.g., Raynaud's disease, peripheral vascular disease), low blood flow to the heart/brain (e.g., due to coronary artery disease, stroke, transient ischemic attack), diabetes, heart problems (e.g., heart failure, heart attack, slow heartbeat), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression), a certain muscle problem (myasthenia gravis), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), a certain type of tumor (pheochromocytoma).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

This drug may rarely make your blood sugar level rise, causing or worsening diabetes. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst or frequent urination.

If you have diabetes, this medication may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of a low blood sugar level such as dizziness and sweating are unaffected by this drug.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys and liver. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects such as dizziness while using this drug.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: alpha-blockers (e.g., prazosin), arbutamine, other beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol), clonidine, epinephrine, fenoldopam, fingolimod, thioridazine, other drugs for high blood pressure (e.g., methyldopa), drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove this medication from your body (e.g., amiodarone, chlorpromazine, St. John's wort).

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness/fainting, slow/shallow breathing.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.

Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Discuss with your doctor how to monitor your own blood pressure and pulse.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood pressure, liver tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.