| |||||||
| |||||||
|
| Home > Blood Pressure > Pindolol |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Active Ingredients: Pindolol PINDOLOL (Visken®) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. Pindolol controls, but does not cure, high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure may not make you feel sick, but it can lead to serious heart problems. Pindolol also relieves chest pain (angina). Generic pindolol tablets are available. What should my health care professional know before I take pindolol? They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm •circulation problems, or blood vessel disease (such as Raynaud's disease) •depression •diabetes •emphysema, or other lung disease •history of heart attack or heart disease, vasospastic angina •kidney disease •liver disease •muscle weakness or disease •pheochromocytoma •psoriasis •thyroid disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to pindolol, other beta-blockers, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? Take pindolol tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose (less than 4 hours), take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with pindolol? •antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) •cimetidine •cocaine •digoxin •ergotamine •hawthorn •levodopa •medicines for diabetes •medicines for high blood pressure •medicine for mental problems and psychotic disturbances •monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™) •reserpine •water pills Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking pindolol? Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •confusion, hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that are not really there) •changes in blood sugar •chest pain •cold hands or feet •difficulty breathing, wheezing •difficulty sleeping, nightmares •dizziness or fainting spells •joint pain •muscle cramps or weakness •skin rash, itching, dry peeling skin •slow heart rate (less than 50 beats per minute) •swelling of the legs and ankles •vomiting Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •diarrhea •dry sore eyes •hair loss •nausea •sexual difficulties (impotence or decreased sexual urges) •weakness or tiredness What should I watch for while taking pindolol? Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking pindolol. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. It can be 2 weeks or longer before the full effect of pindolol in lowering blood pressure is seen. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how pindolol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks. Pindolol can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking pindolol. Where can I keep my medicine? Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light, Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. |
|
 |
|
