What is Pindolol?
Pindolol is a beta-blocker that is used to treat high blood pressure and other heart conditions. It works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body, such as epinephrine, that affect the heart and blood vessels.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Health Benefits
Pindolol has been used to treat the following conditions:
* High blood pressure
* Angina (heart-related chest pain)
* Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
* Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Side Effects
Pindolol may cause the following side effects:
* Dizziness
* Lightheadedness
* Fatigue
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Headache
* Dry mouth
* Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
* Cold hands and feet
* Weight gain or loss
Pindolol may also cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Dosage and Administration
Pindolol is available as a tablet and an oral solution. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole; do not crush, chew, or break them.
If you are taking the oral solution, use a special measuring spoon or device to measure each dose accurately. Do not use a regular household spoon because you may not get the correct amount of medication.
To treat high blood pressure, the usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase your dose by 5 mg every 2 weeks until your blood pressure is controlled or side effects become bothersome. The maximum recommended dose is 40 mg per day.
For angina, the usual starting dose is 10 to 20 mg three times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. The maximum recommended dose is 80 mg per day.
Dosage for heart attack is 10 mg three times daily for 7 to 14 days, then 20 mg twice daily.
To treat arrhythmias, the usual starting dose is 5 mg three or four times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. The maximum recommended dose is 80 mg per day.
If you miss a dose of pindolol, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Interactions
Pindolol may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, pindolol should be used only when prescribed. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Mechanism of Action
Pindolol works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body, such as epinephrine, that affect the heart and blood vessels. This action makes pindolol useful in treating high blood pressure, angina, arrhythmias, and myocardial infarction.
Pharmacokinetics
Pindolol is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It has a half-life of 3 to 6 hours and is metabolized by the liver. Less than 1% of pindolol is excreted unchanged in the urine.
Pindolol should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment because it is metabolized by the liver. Pindolol may accumulate in these patients and cause side effects.
Special Populations
Pindolol should be used with caution in elderly patients because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Pindolol should also be used with caution in pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding because it is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
