ﺑﺎﺯﮔﺸﺖ ﺑﻪ ﺻﻔﺤﻪ ﻗﺒﻠﯽ
خرید پکیج
تعداد آیتم قابل مشاهده باقیمانده : -45 مورد

Pindolol: Drug information

Pindolol: Drug information
2025© UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All Rights Reserved.
For additional information see "Pindolol: Patient drug information"

For abbreviations, symbols, and age group definitions show table
Brand Names: Canada
  • APO-Pindol [DSC];
  • TEVA-Pindolol;
  • Visken
Pharmacologic Category
  • Antihypertensive;
  • Beta-Blocker With Intrinsic Sympathomimetic Activity
Dosing: Adult
Hypertension

Hypertension (alternative agent): Oral: Initial: 5 mg twice daily; titrate by 10 mg daily every 3 to 4 weeks as needed based on patient response up to 30 mg twice daily; maximum: 60 mg/day (Ref).

Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.

Dosing: Kidney Impairment: Adult

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; however, use with caution in uremic patients as renal clearance is reduced. Others have recommended that no dosage adjustment is required in renal impairment including those patients with GFR <10 mL/minute (Ref).

Dosing: Liver Impairment: Adult

There are no specific dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; however, a dose reduction may be necessary in patients with cirrhosis due to significantly prolonged elimination half-life (may be 10 times as long compared to subjects with normal hepatic function).

Dosing: Older Adult

Refer to adult dosing. Use with caution.

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

>10%: Cardiovascular: Edema (6% to 16%)

1% to 10%:

Cardiovascular: Bradycardia (≤2%), claudication (≤2%), cold extremity (≤2%), heart block (≤2%), hypotension (≤2%), syncope (≤2%), tachycardia (≤2%)

Dermatologic: Hyperhidrosis (≤2%), pruritus (1%)

Endocrine & metabolic: Weight gain (≤2%)

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (≤2%), nausea (5%), vomiting (≤2%)

Genitourinary: Erectile dysfunction (≤2%), pollakiuria (≤2%)

Hepatic: Increased serum alanine aminotransferase (≤7%), increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (≤7%)

Nervous system: Anxiety (≤2%), asthenia (4%), dizziness (9%), fatigue (8%), lethargy (≤2%), nervousness (7%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia (7%), muscle cramps (3%), myalgia (10%)

Ophthalmic: Burning sensation of eyes (≤2%), eye discomfort (≤2%), visual disturbance (≤2%)

Respiratory: Wheezing (≤2%)

<1%:

Cardiovascular: Heart failure, palpitations

Nervous system: Hallucination

Frequency not defined:

Endocrine & metabolic: Increased lactate dehydrogenase, increased uric acid

Hepatic: Increased serum alkaline phosphatase

Postmarketing:

Dermatologic: Psoriasis (Song 2021)

Nervous system: Tremor (Hod 1980)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Increased creatine phosphokinase in blood specimen (Imataka 1981), lupus-like syndrome (Bensaid 1979)

Respiratory: Pulmonary fibrosis (Musk 1979)

Contraindications

Bronchial asthma; cardiogenic shock; heart block (second- or third-degree) except in patients with a functioning artificial ventricular pacemaker; overt cardiac failure; severe bradycardia

Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in US labeling): Hypersensitivity to pindolol, other beta-blockers or any component of the formulation; severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; right ventricular failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension; anesthesia with agents which produce myocardial depression; Prinzmetal angina (variant angina); sick sinus syndrome (except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker); severe peripheral arterial circulatory disorders; pheochromocytoma (untreated)

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse events:

• Anaphylactic reactions: Use caution with history of severe anaphylaxis to allergens; patients taking beta-blockers may become more sensitive to repeated challenges. Treatment of anaphylaxis (eg, epinephrine) in patients taking beta-blockers may be ineffective or promote undesirable effects.

Disease-related concerns:

• Bronchospastic disease: In general, patients with bronchospastic disease should not receive beta-blockers; if used at all, should be used cautiously with close monitoring.

• Conduction abnormality: Consider preexisting conditions such as sick sinus syndrome before initiating.

• Diabetes: Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus; may potentiate hypoglycemia and/or mask signs and symptoms.

• Heart failure: Use with caution in patients with compensated heart failure and monitor for a worsening of the condition. If condition worsens, consider temporary discontinuation or dosage reduction of pindolol. Patients should be stabilized on heart failure regimen prior to initiation of beta-blocker. Beta-blocker therapy should be initiated at very low doses with gradual and very careful titration. Adjustment of other medications may be required. Beta-blockers with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (eg, pindolol) have not been demonstrated to be of value in heart failure.

• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; pindolol levels may increase significantly with hepatic impairment.

• Kidney impairment: Use with caution in patients with kidney impairment.

• Myasthenia gravis: Use with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis.

• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and Raynaud disease: Can precipitate or aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency in patients with PVD and Raynaud disease. Use with caution and monitor for progression of arterial obstruction.

• Pheochromocytoma (untreated): Adequate alpha-blockade is required prior to use of any beta-blocker.

• Prinzmetal variant angina: Beta-blockers without alpha1-adrenergic receptor blocking activity should be avoided in patients with Prinzmetal variant angina since unopposed alpha1-adrenergic receptors mediate coronary vasoconstriction and can worsen anginal symptoms (Mayer 1998).

• Psoriasis: Beta-blocker use has been associated with induction or exacerbation of psoriasis, but cause and effect have not been firmly established.

• Thyroid disease: May mask signs of hyperthyroidism (eg, tachycardia). If thyrotoxicosis is suspected, carefully manage and monitor; abrupt withdrawal may exacerbate symptoms of hyperthyroidism or precipitate thyroid storm.

Special populations:

• Older adult: Bradycardia may be observed more frequently in older adult patients (>65 years of age); dosage reductions may be necessary.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Abrupt withdrawal: Beta-blocker therapy should not be withdrawn abruptly (particularly in patients with CAD), but gradually tapered over 1 to 2 weeks to avoid acute tachycardia, hypertension, and/or ischemia. Severe exacerbation of angina, ventricular arrhythmias, and myocardial infarction (MI) have been reported following abrupt withdrawal of beta-blocker therapy. Temporary but prompt resumption of beta-blocker therapy may be indicated with worsening of angina or acute coronary insufficiency.

• Major surgery: Chronic beta-blocker therapy should not be routinely withdrawn prior to major surgery (Fleischmann 2009).

Dosage Forms: US

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Tablet, Oral:

Generic: 5 mg, 10 mg

Generic Equivalent Available: US

Yes

Pricing: US

Tablets (Pindolol Oral)

5 mg (per each): $1.10 - $2.19

10 mg (per each): $1.50 - $2.73

Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.

Dosage Forms: Canada

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Tablet, Oral:

Visken: 5 mg, 10 mg

Generic: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg

Administration: Adult

Oral: May be administered without regard to meals.

Use: Labeled Indications

Hypertension: Management of hypertension. Note: Beta-blockers are not recommended as first-line therapy (ACC/AHA [Whelton 2018]).

Medication Safety Issues
Sound-alike/look-alike issues:

Pindolol may be confused with Parlodel, Plendil

Visken may be confused with Visine, Viskazide

Metabolism/Transport Effects

Substrate of CYP2D6 (Minor), OCT1, OCT2; Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential;

Drug Interactions

Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Alfuzosin: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Alpha2-Agonists: Beta-Blockers may increase rebound hypertensive effects of Alpha2-Agonists. This effect can occur when the Alpha2-Agonist is abruptly withdrawn. Alpha2-Agonists may increase AV-blocking effects of Beta-Blockers. Sinus node dysfunction may also be enhanced. Management: Closely monitor heart rate during treatment with a beta blocker and clonidine. Withdraw beta blockers several days before clonidine withdrawal when possible, and monitor blood pressure closely. Recommendations for other alpha2-agonists are unavailable. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Amifostine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Amifostine. Management: When used at chemotherapy doses, hold blood pressure lowering medications for 24 hours before amifostine administration. If blood pressure lowering therapy cannot be held, do not administer amifostine. Use caution with radiotherapy doses of amifostine. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Amiodarone: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Possibly to the point of cardiac arrest. Amiodarone may increase serum concentration of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Amphetamines: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Antidiabetic Agents: Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may increase hypoglycemic effects of Antidiabetic Agents. Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may increase adverse/toxic effects of Antidiabetic Agents. Specifically, beta-blockers may mask the hypoglycemic symptoms of antidiabetic agents. Risk C: Monitor

Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines): May increase hypotensive effects of Beta-Blockers. Beta-Blockers may decrease metabolism of Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines). Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines) may decrease metabolism of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]): Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]). Risk C: Monitor

Arginine: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Arimoclomol: May increase serum concentration of OCT2 Substrates (Clinically Relevant with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor

Barbiturates: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Benperidol: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Beta2-Agonists: Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may decrease bronchodilatory effects of Beta2-Agonists. Risk X: Avoid

Bradycardia-Causing Agents: May increase bradycardic effects of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Brigatinib: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Brigatinib may increase bradycardic effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Brimonidine (Topical): May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Bromperidol: May decrease hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Bromperidol. Risk X: Avoid

Cafedrine: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of Cafedrine. Risk C: Monitor

Cannabis: Beta-Blockers may increase adverse/toxic effects of Cannabis. Specifically, the risk of hypoglycemia may be increased. Risk C: Monitor

Ceritinib: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Ceritinib. Management: If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for evidence of symptomatic bradycardia, and closely monitor blood pressure and heart rate during therapy. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Cholinergic Agonists: Beta-Blockers may increase adverse/toxic effects of Cholinergic Agonists. Of particular concern are the potential for cardiac conduction abnormalities and bronchoconstriction. Risk C: Monitor

Dexmethylphenidate: May decrease therapeutic effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Diazoxide: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Dipyridamole: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Disopyramide: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Beta-Blockers may increase negative inotropic effects of Disopyramide. Risk C: Monitor

DOBUTamine: Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of DOBUTamine. Risk C: Monitor

Dronedarone: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Dronedarone may increase serum concentration of Beta-Blockers. This likely applies only to those agents that are metabolized by CYP2D6. Management: Use lower initial beta-blocker doses; adequate tolerance of the combination, based on ECG findings, should be confirmed prior to any increase in beta-blocker dose. Increase monitoring for clinical response and adverse effects. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

DULoxetine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of DULoxetine. Risk C: Monitor

EPHEDrine (Systemic): Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of EPHEDrine (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor

EPINEPHrine (Nasal): Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may increase hypertensive effects of EPINEPHrine (Nasal). Risk C: Monitor

EPINEPHrine (Oral Inhalation): Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may increase hypertensive effects of EPINEPHrine (Oral Inhalation). Risk C: Monitor

EPINEPHrine (Systemic): Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may increase hypertensive effects of EPINEPHrine (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor

Ergot Derivatives (Vasoconstrictive CYP3A4 Substrates): Beta-Blockers may increase vasoconstricting effects of Ergot Derivatives (Vasoconstrictive CYP3A4 Substrates). Risk C: Monitor

Etilefrine: Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of Etilefrine. Etilefrine may increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Etofylline: Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of Etofylline. Risk X: Avoid

Etrasimod: May increase bradycardic effects of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Fedratinib: May increase serum concentration of OCT2 Substrates (Clinically Relevant with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor

Fexinidazole: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase arrhythmogenic effects of Fexinidazole. Risk X: Avoid

Fingolimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Fingolimod. Management: Consult with the prescriber of any bradycardia-causing agent to see if the agent could be switched to an agent that does not cause bradycardia prior to initiating fingolimod. If combined, perform continuous ECG monitoring after the first fingolimod dose. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Flecainide: May increase bradycardic effects of Pindolol. The negative inotropic effects of Pindolol may also be enhanced. Risk C: Monitor

Flunarizine: May increase therapeutic effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Gilteritinib: May increase serum concentration of OCT1 Substrates (Clinically Relevant with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor

Givinostat: May increase serum concentration of OCT2 Substrates (Clinically Relevant with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor

Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (5 Grass Extract): Beta-Blockers may increase adverse/toxic effects of Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (5 Grass Extract). More specifically, Beta-Blockers may inhibit the ability to effectively treat severe allergic reactions to Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (5 Grass Extract) with epinephrine. Some other effects of epinephrine may be unaffected or even enhanced (e.g., vasoconstriction) during treatment with Beta-Blockers. Management: Consider alternatives to either grass pollen allergen extract (5 grass extract) or beta-blockers in patients with indications for both agents. Canadian product labeling specifically lists this combination as contraindicated. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Herbal Products with Blood Pressure Increasing Effects: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Herbal Products with Blood Pressure Lowering Effects: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Hypotension-Associated Agents: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Hypotension-Associated Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Iloperidone: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Indoramin: May increase hypotensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Insulin: Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may increase hypoglycemic effects of Insulin. Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may decrease therapeutic effects of Insulin. Risk C: Monitor

Isocarboxazid: May increase antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk X: Avoid

Isoproterenol: Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of Isoproterenol. Risk C: Monitor

Ivabradine: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Ivabradine. Risk C: Monitor

Lacosamide: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase AV-blocking effects of Lacosamide. Risk C: Monitor

Landiolol: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Landiolol. Risk X: Avoid

Levodopa-Foslevodopa: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Levodopa-Foslevodopa. Risk C: Monitor

Loop Diuretics: May increase hypotensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Lormetazepam: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Mavacamten: Beta-Blockers may increase adverse/toxic effects of Mavacamten. Specifically, negative inotropic effects may be increased. Risk C: Monitor

Metergoline: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase orthostatic hypotensive effects of Metergoline. Risk C: Monitor

Methacholine: Beta-Blockers may increase adverse/toxic effects of Methacholine. Risk C: Monitor

Methylphenidate: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Midodrine: May increase bradycardic effects of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Mivacurium: Beta-Blockers may increase therapeutic effects of Mivacurium. Risk C: Monitor

Molsidomine: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Naftopidil: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Nicergoline: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Nicorandil: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

NIFEdipine (Topical): May increase adverse/toxic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

NIFEdipine: May increase hypotensive effects of Beta-Blockers. NIFEdipine may increase negative inotropic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Nitrendipine: May increase therapeutic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Nitroprusside: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Nitroprusside. Risk C: Monitor

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (Topical): May decrease therapeutic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Obinutuzumab: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Management: Consider temporarily withholding blood pressure lowering medications beginning 12 hours prior to obinutuzumab infusion and continuing until 1 hour after the end of the infusion. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Opipramol: Beta-Blockers may increase serum concentration of Opipramol. Opipramol may increase serum concentration of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Ozanimod: May increase bradycardic effects of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Pentoxifylline: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Perazine: May increase hypotensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Pholcodine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Pholcodine. Risk C: Monitor

Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Ponesimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Ponesimod. Management: Avoid coadministration of ponesimod with drugs that may cause bradycardia when possible. If combined, monitor heart rate closely and consider obtaining a cardiology consult. Do not initiate ponesimod in patients on beta-blockers if HR is less than 55 bpm. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Prazosin: Antihypertensive Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Prazosin. Risk C: Monitor

Prostacyclin Analogues: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Quinagolide: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Reserpine: May increase hypotensive effects of Beta-Blockers. Reserpine may increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Rivastigmine: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk X: Avoid

Silodosin: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Siponimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Siponimod. Management: Avoid coadministration of siponimod with drugs that may cause bradycardia. If combined, consider obtaining a cardiology consult regarding patient monitoring. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Succinylcholine: Beta-Blockers may increase neuromuscular-blocking effects of Succinylcholine. Risk C: Monitor

Sulfonylureas: Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may increase hypoglycemic effects of Sulfonylureas. Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may decrease therapeutic effects of Sulfonylureas. Risk C: Monitor

Tafenoquine: May increase serum concentration of OCT2 Substrates (Clinically Relevant with Inhibitors). Management: Avoid use of OCT2 substrates with tafenoquine, and if the combination cannot be avoided, monitor closely for evidence of toxicity of the OCT2 substrate and consider a reduced dose of the OCT2 substrate according to that substrate's labeling. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Tasimelteon: Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of Tasimelteon. Management: Consider avoiding nighttime administration of beta-blockers during tasimelteon therapy due to the potential for reduced tasimelteon efficacy. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Terazosin: Antihypertensive Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Terazosin. Risk C: Monitor

Theodrenaline: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of Theodrenaline. Risk C: Monitor

Theophylline Derivatives: Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may decrease bronchodilatory effects of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor

Thioridazine: May increase serum concentration of Pindolol. Pindolol may increase serum concentration of Thioridazine. Risk X: Avoid

Urapidil: Antihypertensive Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Urapidil. Risk C: Monitor

Vimseltinib: May increase serum concentration of OCT2 Substrates (Clinically Relevant with Inhibitors). Management: Avoid concomitant use of vimseltinib and OCT2 substrates when possible. If combined, monitor for increased effects and toxicities of the OCT2 substrate and consider dose adjustments. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

White Birch Allergen Extract: Beta-Blockers may increase adverse/toxic effects of White Birch Allergen Extract. Specifically, beta-blockers may reduce the effectiveness of beta-agonists that may be required to treat systemic reactions to white birch allergen extract. Risk X: Avoid

Reproductive Considerations

Medications considered acceptable for the treatment of chronic hypertension during pregnancy may generally be continued in patients trying to conceive. Pindolol is generally not a preferred agent for use in pregnant patients (ACC/AHA [Whelton 2018]; ACOG 2019; NICE 2019); however, use may be considered (SOGC [Magee 2022]).

Impotence is noted in product labeling following use of pindolol. As a class, outcomes from available studies evaluating beta-blockers and sexual dysfunction are inconsistent, and the negative effects on erectile function are considered controversial. A clear relationship between use of beta-blockers and erectile dysfunction has not been established. Hypertension itself is associated with erectile dysfunction. Patients on a beta-blocker presenting with sexual dysfunction should be evaluated for underlying disease (Farmakis 2021; Levine 2012; Semet 2017; Terentes-Printzios 2022; Viigimaa 2020).

Pregnancy Considerations

Pindolol crosses the placenta (Gonçalves 2002; Gonçalves 2007).

Exposure to beta-blockers during pregnancy may increase the risk for adverse events in the neonate. If maternal use of a beta-blocker is needed, monitor fetal growth during pregnancy; monitor the newborn for 48 hours after delivery for bradycardia, hypoglycemia, and respiratory depression (ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]).

Chronic maternal hypertension is also associated with adverse events in the fetus/infant. Chronic maternal hypertension may increase the risk of birth defects, low birth weight, premature delivery, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Actual fetal/neonatal risks may be related to the duration and severity of maternal hypertension. Untreated chronic hypertension may also increase the risks of adverse maternal outcomes, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, delivery complications, stroke, and myocardial infarction (ACOG 2019).

Due to pregnancy-induced physiologic changes, some pharmacokinetic properties of pindolol may be altered (Gonçalves 2002).

Patients with preexisting hypertension may continue their medication during pregnancy unless contraindications exist (ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]). When treatment of hypertension is initiated during pregnancy, agents other than pindolol may be preferred (ACOG 2019; ESC [Cífková 2020]; ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]); however, use of pindolol may be considered (SOGC [Magee 2022]).

Breastfeeding Considerations

Pindolol is present in breast milk.

Data related to the presence of pindolol in breast milk are available from a study evaluating a method to determine pindolol concentrations in various fluids. As part of the study, 3 patients who took pindolol 10 mg every 12 hours for at least 3 days also had breast milk sampled 11 to 14 hours after the last dose prior to delivery. Both pindolol enantiomers were present in breast milk (Gonçalves 2007).

Breastfeeding is not recommended by the manufacturer. Beta-blockers other than pindolol may be preferred in lactating patients (ESC [Cífková 2020]).

Monitoring Parameters

Blood pressure, heart rate, ECG; respiratory function; mental alertness; signs and symptoms of bronchospasm in patients with existing bronchospastic disease; serum glucose (in patients with diabetes).

Reference Range

Blood pressure goal: May vary depending on clinical conditions, different clinical practice guidelines, and expert opinion. Refer to "Clinical Practice Guidelines" for specific treatment goals.

Mechanism of Action

Blocks both beta1- and beta2-receptors and has mild intrinsic sympathomimetic activity; pindolol has negative inotropic and chronotropic effects and can significantly slow AV nodal conduction.

Pharmacokinetics (Adult Data Unless Noted)

Absorption: Rapid, >95%

Distribution: Vd: ~2 L/kg

Protein binding: 40%

Metabolism: Hepatic (60% to 65%) to conjugates

Half-life elimination: 3 to 4 hours; prolonged in the elderly (average 7 hours; up to 15 hours reported), and cirrhosis (range: 2.5 to 30 hours)

Time to peak, serum: ~1 hour

Excretion: Urine (35% to 40% as unchanged drug); feces (6% to 9%)

Pharmacokinetics: Additional Considerations (Adult Data Unless Noted)

Altered kidney function: 50% decrease in volume of distribution in uremic patients, generally excreted in less than 15% of dose as unchanged in the urine.

Hepatic function impairment: In cirrhosis patients, elimination was more variable in rate and slower, half-life ranged from 2.5 hours to more than 30 hours. Exercise caution; dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Older adult: In elderly hypertensive patients, the half-life is more variable, averaging 7 hours.

Brand Names: International
International Brand Names by Country
For country code abbreviations (show table)

  • (AE) United Arab Emirates: Visken;
  • (AT) Austria: Visken;
  • (AU) Australia: Barbloc | Visken;
  • (BE) Belgium: Visken;
  • (BG) Bulgaria: Visken;
  • (BR) Brazil: Visken;
  • (CH) Switzerland: Pindolol helvepharm | Visken;
  • (CZ) Czech Republic: Apo pindol | Pindolol dh | Visken;
  • (DE) Germany: Durapindol | Nonspi | Pindoreal | Visken;
  • (EE) Estonia: Visken;
  • (EG) Egypt: Visken;
  • (FI) Finland: Pindocor | Pindomex | Pinloc | Visken;
  • (FR) France: Pindolol Dci | Visken | Visken quinze;
  • (GB) United Kingdom: Betadren | Pindolol sandoz | Visken;
  • (GR) Greece: Visken;
  • (HK) Hong Kong: Visken;
  • (HU) Hungary: Huma-pindol | Visken;
  • (ID) Indonesia: Decreten | Visken;
  • (IE) Ireland: Visken;
  • (IL) Israel: Pinden | Visken;
  • (IT) Italy: Visken;
  • (JO) Jordan: Visken;
  • (JP) Japan: Barusamizin | Brokkron | Brosten | Calpelan | Cariprol | Carlsterin | Carpilol | Carpilol nisshin kyorin sei | Carsamyl | Carvisken | Casimten | Cinbloc | Cocaserin | Conselyze | Glutalan | Glutalan R | Gospaladin | Hishicropin | Isuhart | Karkrett | Keiviskene | Kishimanol | Kistadol | Let lit | Lizenil | Marles | Mestramon | Minodohl | Nocalol | Osnon | Pastilon | Piesgen | Pindesken | Pindoloc-R | Pindolol amel | Pindolol bmj | Pindolol fujimoto | Pindolol isei | Pindolol n | Pindolol Nichiiko | Pindolol ohara | Pindolol seiko | Pindolol shinka | Pindolol showa | Pindolol teikoku medix | Pindolol towa | Pitadoril | Pithiorol | Pyltelol | Pynastin | Rythmapollon | Sumacardan | Sundiol | Tafnal | Viringal | Youvisken | Youvisken mita;
  • (KR) Korea, Republic of: Visken;
  • (LB) Lebanon: Visken;
  • (LT) Lithuania: Apo pindol | Visken;
  • (LU) Luxembourg: Visken;
  • (LV) Latvia: Visken;
  • (MA) Morocco: Visken;
  • (MX) Mexico: Visken;
  • (MY) Malaysia: Apo pindol;
  • (NL) Netherlands: Viskeen | Visken;
  • (NO) Norway: Hexapindol | Visken;
  • (NZ) New Zealand: Apo pindolol | Pindol | Visken;
  • (PH) Philippines: Pyndale | Visken;
  • (PL) Poland: Visken;
  • (PR) Puerto Rico: Visken;
  • (PT) Portugal: Viskene;
  • (RO) Romania: Visken;
  • (RU) Russian Federation: Visken;
  • (SA) Saudi Arabia: Visken;
  • (SE) Sweden: Pindolol Merck NM | Pindolol mylan | Visken;
  • (SK) Slovakia: Apo pindol | Visken;
  • (TH) Thailand: Decreten | Pinsken | Visken;
  • (TN) Tunisia: Visken;
  • (TR) Turkey: Visken;
  • (TW) Taiwan: Cocaserin | Modipindol | Pithiorol | Viringal | Visken;
  • (UA) Ukraine: Visken;
  • (UY) Uruguay: Visken;
  • (VE) Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of: Visken;
  • (ZA) South Africa: Visken
  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). ACOG practice bulletin no. 203: chronic hypertension in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2019;133(1):e26-e50. [PubMed 30575676]
  2. Aronoff GR, Bennett WM, Berns JS, et al, Drug Prescribing in Renal Failure: Dosing Guidelines for Adults and Children, 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: American College of Physicians; 2007, p 34.
  3. Bensaid J, Aldigier JC, Gualde N. Systemic lupus erythematosus syndrome induced by pindolol. Br Med J. 1979;1(6178):1603-1604. doi:10.1136/bmj.1.6178.1603 [PubMed 466142]
  4. Brauchli YB, Jick SS, Curtin F, et al. Association Between Beta-Blockers, Other Antihypertensive Drugs and Psoriasis: Population-Based Case-Control Study. Br J Dermatol. 2008;158(6):1299-1307. [PubMed 18410416]
  5. Bushnell C, McCullough LD, Awad IA, et al. Guidelines for the prevention of stroke in women: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2014;45(5):1545-1588. [PubMed 24503673]
  6. Chobanian AV, Bakris GL, Black HR, et al; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure; National High Blood Pressure Education Program Coordinating Committee. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure: the JNC 7 report. JAMA. 2003;289(19):2560-2572. Epub 2003 May 14. Erratum in: JAMA. 2003;290(2):197. [PubMed 12748199]
  7. Cífková R, Johnson MR, Kahan T, et al. Peripartum management of hypertension: a position paper of the ESC Council on Hypertension and the European Society of Hypertension. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Pharmacother. 2020;6(6):384-393. doi:10.1093/ehjcvp/pvz082 [PubMed 31841131]
  8. Ekbom T, Dahlof B, Hansson L, et al, “Antihypertensive Efficacy and Side Effects of Three Beta-blockers and a Diuretic in Elderly Hypertensives: a report from the STOP-Hypertension Study,” J Hypertens, 1992, 10(12):1525-30. [PubMed 1338084]
  9. Erstad BL and Barletta JF, “Treatment of Hypertension in the Perioperative Patient,” Ann Pharmacother, 2000, 34(1):66-79. [PubMed 10669188]
  10. Farmakis IT, Pyrgidis N, Doundoulakis I, Mykoniatis I, Akrivos E, Giannakoulas G. Effects of major antihypertensive drug classes on erectile function: a network meta-analysis. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2022;36(5):903-914. doi:10.1007/s10557-021-07197-9 [PubMed 33945044]
  11. Fleischmann KE, Beckman JA, Buller CE, et al, “2009 ACCF/AHA Focused Update on Perioperative Beta Blockade: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines,” Circulation, 2009, 120(21):2123-51. [PubMed 19884474]
  12. Foster CA and Aston SJ, “Propranolol-Epinephrine Interaction: A Potential Disaster,” Plast Reconstr Surg, 1983, 72(1):74-8. [PubMed 6867180]
  13. Funder JW, Carey RM, Mantero F, et al. The management of primary aldosteronism: case detection, diagnosis, and treatment: an Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(5):1889-1916. doi: 10.1210/jc.2015-4061. [PubMed 26934393]
  14. Go AS, Bauman M, King SM, et al. An effective approach to high blood pressure control: a science advisory from the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [published online November 15, 2013]. Hypertension. [PubMed 24243703]
  15. Gonçalves PV, Cavalli RC, da Cunha SP, et al. Determination of pindolol enantiomers in amniotic fluid and breast milk by high-performance liquid chromatography: applications to pharmacokinetics in pregnant and lactating women. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2007;852(1-2):640-645. [PubMed 17307403]
  16. Gonçalves PV, Matthes Ado C, Da Cunha SP, et al. Enantioselectivity in the steady-state pharmacokinetics and transplacental distribution of pindolol at delivery in pregnancy-induced hypertension. Chirality. 2002;14(8):683-687. [PubMed 12125040]
  17. Hod H, Har-Zahav J, Kaplinsky N, Frankl O. Pindolol-induced tremor. Postgrad Med J. 1980;56(655):346-347. doi:10.1136/pgmj.56.655.346 [PubMed 7443595]
  18. Imataka K, Seki A, Takahashi N, Fujii J. Elevation of serum creatine phosphokinase during pindolol treatment. Tohoku J Exp Med. 1981;133(3):363-364. doi:10.1620/tjem.133.363 [PubMed 7314090]
  19. James PA, Oparil S, Carter BL, et al. 2014 evidence-based guideline for the management of high blood pressure in adults: report from the panel members appointed to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8). JAMA. 2014;311(5):507-520. [PubMed 24352797]
  20. Lang DM, “Anaphylactoid and Anaphylactic Reactions. Hazards of Beta-Blockers,” Drug Saf, 1995, 12(5):299-304. [PubMed 7669259]
  21. Levine GN, Steinke EE, Bakaeen FG, et al; American Heart Association Council on Clinical Cardiology; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia; Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research. Sexual activity and cardiovascular disease: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2012;125(8):1058-1072. doi:10.1161/CIR.0b013e3182447787 [PubMed 22267844]
  22. Magee LA, Smith GN, Bloch C, et al. Guideline no. 426: hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: diagnosis, prediction, prevention, and management. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2022;44(5):547-571.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jogc.2022.03.002 [PubMed 35577426]
  23. Mayer S, Hillis LD. Prinzmetal's variant angina. Clin Cardiol. 1998;21(4):243-246. [PubMed 9562933]
  24. Musk AW, Pollard JA. Pindolol and pulmonary fibrosis. Br Med J. 1979;2(6190):581-582. doi:10.1136/bmj.2.6190.581-a [PubMed 497711]
  25. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). NICE guideline: hypertension in pregnancy: diagnosis and management. http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng133/. Updated June 25, 2019. Accessed December 1, 2022.
  26. Ohnhaus EE, Heidemann H, Meier J, et al, “Metabolism of Pindolol in Patients with Renal Failure,” Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 1982, 22(5):423-8. [PubMed 7117354]
  27. Pindolol [prescribing information]. Baudette, MN: ANI Pharmaceuticals Inc; November 2016.
  28. Regitz-Zagrosek V, Roos-Hesselink JW, Bauersachs J, et al. 2018 ESC guidelines for the management of cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy. Eur Heart J. 2018;39(34):3165-3241. [PubMed 30165544]
  29. Schön MP, Boehncke WH. Psoriasis. N Eng J Med. 2005;352(18):1899-1912. [PubMed 15872205]
  30. Semet M, Paci M, Saïas-Magnan J, et al. The impact of drugs on male fertility: a review. Andrology. 2017;5(4):640-663. doi:10.1111/andr.12366 [PubMed 28622464]
  31. Song G, Yoon HY, Yee J, Kim MG, Gwak HS. Antihypertensive drug use and psoriasis: a systematic review, meta- and network meta-analysis. Br J Clin Pharmacol. Published online October 5, 2021. doi:10.1111/bcp.15060 [PubMed 34611920]
  32. Terentes-Printzios D, Ioakeimidis N, Rokkas K, Vlachopoulos C. Interactions between erectile dysfunction, cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular drugs. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2022;19(1):59-74. doi:10.1038/s41569-021-00593-6 [PubMed 34331033]
  33. UK Prospective Diabetes Study Group, “Efficacy of Atenolol and Captopril in Reducing Risk of Macrovascular and Microvascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes: UKPDS 39,” BMJ, 1998, 317(7160):713-20. [PubMed 9732338]
  34. Viigimaa M, Vlachopoulos C, Doumas M, et al; European Society of Hypertension Working Group on Sexual Dysfunction. Update of the position paper on arterial hypertension and erectile dysfunction. J Hypertens. 2020;38(7):1220-1234. doi:10.1097/HJH.0000000000002382 [PubMed 32073535]
  35. Visken (pindolol) [prescribing information]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; May 2007.
  36. Visken (pindolol) [product monograph]. Mississauga, Ontario, Canada: Xediton Pharmaceuticals Inc; May 2021.
  37. Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension. 2018;71(6):1269-1324. doi:10.1161/HYP.0000000000000066 [PubMed 29133354]
  38. Wong DG, Spence JD, Lamki L, et al, “Effect of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs on Control of Hypertension of Beta-Blockers and Diuretics,” Lancet, 1986, 1(8488):997-1001. [PubMed 2871333]
  39. Wynn RL, “Dental Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Prostaglandin-Based Drug Interactions, Part Two,” Gen Dent, 1992, 40(2):104, 106, 108. [PubMed 1354194]
  40. Wynn RL, “Epinephrine Interactions With Beta-Blockers,” Gen Dent, 1994, 42(1):16, 18. [PubMed 7911769]
Topic 9774 Version 342.0