pindolol

pindolol /pin·do·lol/ (pin´dah-lol) a nonselective beta-adrenergic blocking agent with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity; used in the treatment of hypertension.

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pin·do·lol (pnd-lôl, -ll)

n.

A beta-blocker used in the treatment of hypertension.

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pindolol

[pin′dəlol]

a beta-adrenergic blocker with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity.

indications It is prescribed in the treatment of hypertension, alone or concomitantly with a diuretic.

contraindications Bronchial asthma, overt cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock, second- and third-degree heart block, or severe bradycardia prohibits its use. It must be used with caution in patients with diabetes.

adverse effects Among the most serious adverse effects are bradycardia, hypotension, syncope, tachycardia, aggravation of bronchospasm, and GI disturbances.

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pindolol (pin´dlol´),

n brand name: Visken;
drug class: nonselective β-adrenergic blocker;
action: competitively blocks stimulation of β-adrenergic receptors within the heart and decreases renin activity, both of which may play a role in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure;
use: mild to moderate hypertension.

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pindolol

a partial β-agonist used to treat aggression in dogs.

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pindolol

Apo-Pindol (CA), Novo-Pindol (CA), Nu-Pindol (CA), Visken

Pharmacologic class: Beta-adrenergic blocker (nonselective)

Therapeutic class: Antihypertensive

Pregnancy risk category B

Action

Competes with beta-adrenergic agonists for receptor sites, inhibiting both beta₁ (myocardial) and beta₂ (respiratory) sites

Availability

Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Hypertension

Adults: Initially, 5 mg b.i.d.; may increase by 10 mg/day q 3 to 4 weeks p.r.n. to a maximum of 60 mg/day

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to beta-adrenergic blockers
• Overt heart failure
• Cardiogenic shock
• Severe bradycardia
• Second- or third-degree heart block
• Bronchial asthma (including severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• renal or hepatic impairment, pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, severe allergic reactions, major surgery
• elderly patients
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children (safety not established).

Administration

• Give with or without food.
• Know that drug may be used alone or with other antihypertensives.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	Rapid	1 hr	8-15 hr

Adverse reactions

CNS: dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, weakness, anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervousness, paresthesia

CV: orthostatic hypotension, peripheral vasoconstriction, chest pain, palpitations, tachycardia, bradycardia, heart failure

EENT: blurred vision, dry eyes

GI: nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea

GU: erectile dysfunction, decreased libido

Musculoskeletal: joint pain, back pain, muscle cramps

Metabolic: hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia

Respiratory: wheezing, dyspnea, bronchospasm

Skin: itching, rash

Other: drug-induced lupus syndrome, edema, cold extremities

Interactions

Drug-drug. Amphetamines, ephedrine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine: excessive hypertension and bradycardia

Beta-adrenergic bronchodilators, theophylline: decreased theophylline antagonism or antagonism of both drugs

Catecholamine-depleting drugs (such as reserpine): additive beta blockade

Insulin, oral hypoglycemics: altered efficacy of these drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: decreased antihypertensive action

Other antihypertensives, nitrates: additive hypotension

Thyroid preparations: decreased pindolol efficacy

Drug-diagnostic tests. Alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, uric acid: increased levels

Glucose: increased or decreased level

Drug-herbs. Cocaine, ephedra (ma huang): unopposed alpha-adrenergic stimulation

Patient monitoring

• Monitor apical heart rate. Withhold drug and notify prescriber if rate is below 60 beats/minute.
• Closely monitor ECG, vital signs, and cardiovascular status. Stay alert for signs and symptoms of heart failure.
• Assess respiratory status, especially for wheezing and dyspnea.
• Monitor blood glucose level in patients with diabetes. (Drug may mask signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.)

Patient teaching

• Instruct patient to take at same time each day, with or without food.
☞ Caution patient that stopping drug abruptly may worsen angina or cause severe cardiac problems.
• Advise patient to rise slowly from a lying or sitting position, to avoid dizziness from sudden blood pressure drop.
☞ Instruct patient to report signs and symptoms of heart failure (such as swelling in legs and shortness of breath when lying down) or other breathing difficulties.
• Advise diabetic patient to monitor blood glucose level closely.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, and herbs mentioned above.

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pindolol

Cardiology A now-generic β-blocker used to treat HTN. Adverse effects Edema, insominia. See Beta-blocker.