Information about Visken (Pindolol)
Visken (Pindolol) is a beta-blocker medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and other cardiovascular conditions. It works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate and blood pressure, which helps to lower the workload on the heart. Visken is also used in some cases to treat angina (chest pain) and to manage symptoms of anxiety.
Product Highlights
- It is used to help lower high blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems.
- Visken can be used to treat chronic angina (chest pain) by reducing the heart's oxygen demand.
- Sometimes, Pindolol is used off-label to treat physical symptoms of anxiety, like rapid heartbeat or tremors.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Pindolol helps lower high blood pressure, which reduces the risk of heart-related conditions such as strokes and heart attacks.
- By reducing the workload of the heart, it helps alleviate chest pain associated with angina.
- It lowers the heart rate, which is beneficial in treating anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeat.
- In certain cardiovascular conditions, Visken helps improve heart function by managing blood pressure and reducing the strain on the heart.
Direction of Use
- The usual starting dose for Visken is typically 5 mg to 10 mg taken orally once or twice daily, depending on the condition being treated. The dose can be adjusted by a healthcare provider based on the patient's response to the medication.
- In the case of angina, the dosage may be higher to help manage the frequency and severity of chest pain.
- It is usually prescribed as part of a broader treatment regimen, often in combination with other blood pressure-lowering medications.
- Visken tablets should be taken with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. It is essential to take it at the same time every day for consistent effectiveness.
Safety Concerns
- Pindolol can slow the heart rate too much, especially at higher doses, which can be dangerous. Regular monitoring of heart rate is necessary.
- Because Pindolol is a non-selective beta-blocker, it can cause narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), which is a concern for individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- It can lower blood pressure too much, causing dizziness or fainting, particularly when standing up quickly.
- Beta-blockers can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially in people with diabetes.
- Some patients may experience fatigue or weakness when starting the medication.
- Pindolol can interact with other medications, including calcium channel blockers and antiarrhythmic drugs, potentially leading to an increased risk of adverse effects.
Avoid Visken (Pindolol) If
- Pindolol should be avoided in individuals with asthma or severe chronic respiratory conditions (e.g., COPD) due to the risk of bronchospasm.
- It should not be used in patients with a heart rate below a certain threshold, typically under 50-60 beats per minute, as it can exacerbate the condition.
- Visken should not be taken by individuals with certain types of heart block, as it can worsen the condition.
- If a person has very low blood pressure, the use of Pindolol could be dangerous.
- Pindolol should be avoided in pregnancy unless clearly necessary, and it should be used cautiously while breastfeeding as it can pass into breast milk.
- Do not use Visken if you have had an allergic reaction to Pindolol or other beta-blockers.