Pindolol
VISKEN
Pronunciation: PIN-doe-loel
“Viscous Pinball”
LOL hat → beta blocker
What it isNonselective beta antagonist with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity and 5-HT1A antagonism; hypertension.
Why this oneIntrinsic sympathomimetic activity — weak agonism at the beta receptor itself — preserves resting heart rate, so it drops rate less than other beta blockers.
What limits itIntrinsic sympathomimetic activity makes it poor after myocardial infarction; nonselective blockade also makes asthma hazardous.
FDA-approved for
- hypertension (1977)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypertension | Adult | 5 mg BID | Adjust to response | 60 mg/day |
Titration Increase in increments of 10 mg/day at 3- to 4-week intervals
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Available strengths
- tab 5, 10 mg
Contraindications
- Bronchial asthma
- Overt cardiac failure
- Cardiogenic shock
- Second- and third-degree heart block
- Severe bradycardia
Adverse reactions
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Edema
- Muscle pain
- Nervousness
- Joint pain
- Dyspnea
Pregnancy Category B; use during pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies risk.
Lactation Undefined
Cost
Generic entry1992
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskIntrinsic sympathomimetic activity makes it poor post-infarction
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryC
Defining liabilityBradycardia, hypotension and bronchospasm; overdose may cause conduction block or cardiogenic shock.
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