Pindolol
Pindolol (PIN doe lole) is a generic medication prescribed for high blood pressure. Pindolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-blockers.
Pindolol (PIN doe lole) is a generic medication prescribed for high blood pressure. Pindolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-blockers.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 5mg
- • 60 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Ashley Wong, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
Updated on September 26, 2023
Pindolol (PIN doe lole) is a generic medication prescribed for high blood pressure. Pindolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-blockers.
FAQ
Common questions about pindolol
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about pindolol.
What brand names are available for pindolol?
Currently, there are no brand-name versions of pindolol available. A brand-name version of pindolol called Visken used to be available. But it was discontinued in the United States. At this time, pindolol is only available as a generic medication.
A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.
If you have more questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can pindolol be used for anxiety or postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS)?
Maybe, but pindolol is only approved to treat high blood pressure. It isn’t approved to treat anxiety or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
In some cases, doctors may prescribe pindolol off-label for anxiety or POTS. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
If you have questions about treatment options for anxiety or POTS, talk with your doctor.
Is pindolol similar to propranolol?
Yes, in some ways. Pindolol and propranolol belong to the same group of drugs called beta-blockers. They work similarly, and both are approved to treat high blood pressure.
However, propranolol is approved to treat several other conditions as well. Some examples include chest pain, atrial fibrillation, and tremors.
If you have questions about which treatment is right for your condition, talk with your doctor.
How does pindolol work? And how long does it take to start working?
Pindolol works to treat high blood pressure by blocking certain receptors in your body that cause your blood vessels to tighten. This relaxes your blood vessels, which lowers your blood pressure. It also slows your heart rate and makes it easier for your heart to pump.
Pindolol typically starts to lower your blood pressure within 1 week. But for some people, it can take 2 weeks or longer to see its effects.
If you’d like to know more about how pindolol works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects
Side effects of pindolol
Pindolol may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of pindolol and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about pindolol’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for pindolol listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with pindolol are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about pindolol’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for pindolol listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Pindolol oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- muscle pain
- insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- dizziness
- fatigue (low energy)
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for pindolol” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of pindolol are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about pindolol’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for pindolol listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, pindolol’s serious side effects include:
- heart failure
- slow heart rate
- heart block
- breathing problems
- vision problems
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
- low blood pressure
- fainting, which may lead to falls and broken bones or other serious injury
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for pindolol” section.
Uses
Uses of pindolol
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as pindolol for certain conditions. Approved uses for pindolol are described below.
Use for high blood pressure
Doctors may prescribe pindolol for treating high blood pressure. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With high blood pressure, you typically don’t notice any symptoms. Even without symptoms, high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels and organs. It can also raise your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Pindolol helps lower your blood pressure to prevent these complications.
Pindolol can be prescribed alone or together with other medications to treat high blood pressure.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for pindolol
Below, you’ll find information about pindolol’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of pindolol
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take pindolol, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for pindolol” section below.
Warnings for pindolol
Some people should not take pindolol, and others should take it cautiously.
Pindolol could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether pindolol is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for pindolol, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Pindolol can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to pindolol or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe pindolol. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to pindolol, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of pindolol
You should not take more pindolol than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much pindolol, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and pindolol
Information about pindolol and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Pindolol and pregnancy
It’s not known if it’s safe to take pindolol during pregnancy. But there are known risks with having untreated high blood pressure while pregnant. (Keep in mind that pindolol is used for treating high blood pressure.)
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about high blood pressure treatment options during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take pindolol during pregnancy.
Pindolol and breastfeeding
Pindolol should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with pindolol.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about pindolol or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How can I lower my risk of side effects when I’m taking pindolol?
- How often should I monitor my blood pressure while I’m taking pindolol?
- Are there any alternative medications that I can take for high blood pressure?
- Are there any drug interactions I should avoid when I’m taking pindolol?
Resources
Resources
- Pindolol – pindolol tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/e1049edf-376e-317b-e053-2995a90a2aac/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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