Visken® (pindolol)
SKU: 828925013109
DIN: 00417270
SIZE: 100 Tablets
INDICATIONS: Visken® (pindolol) is indicated for the treatment of hypertension and the prophylaxis of angina pectoris by slowing the heart rate
DIRECTIONS: This medication should be taken as per doctors instructions as dosage and frequency is dependent on aim of treatment
Product Description
INDICATIONS AND CLINICAL USE
VISKEN® (pindolol) is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension. VISKEN® is usually used in combination with other drugs, particularly a thiazide diuretic. However, it may be used alone as an initial agent in those patients in whom, in the judgment of the physician, treatment should be started with a ß-blocker rather than a diuretic.
The combination of VISKEN® with a diuretic and/or peripheral vasodilator has been found to be compatible and generally more effective than VISKEN® alone. Limited experience with other antihypertensive agents, including methyldopa, has not shown evidence of incompatibility with VISKEN®
VISKEN® is not recommended for the emergency treatment of hypertensive crises
CONTRAINDICATIONS
VISKEN® (pindolol) is contraindicated in:
- Patients who are hypersensitive to this drug or to any ingredient in the formulation. Please refer to the product monograph for a complete listing.
- Patients with bronchospasm, including bronchial asthma or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Patients with congestive heart failure
- Patients with right ventricular failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension
- Patients with Prinzmetal’s Angina (variant angina)
- Patients with sinus bradycardia (<45-50 beats/minute)
- Patients with cardiogenic shock
- Patients with second or third-degree atrioventricular (A-V) block
- Patients with sick sinus syndrome
- Patients with severe peripheral arterial circulatory disturbances
- Patients with untreated pheochromocytoma
- Patients receiving anesthesia with agents which produce myocardial depression, e.g. ether
WARNINGS
Cardiac Failure
Special caution should be exercised when administering VISKEN® (pindolol) to patients with a history of heart failure.
Abrupt Cessation of Therapy with VISKEN®
Patients with angina should be warned against abrupt discontinuation of VISKEN®. There have been reports of severe exacerbation of angina, and of myocardial infarction or ventricular arrhythmias occurring in patients with angina pectoris, following abrupt discontinuation of ß-blocker therapy.
Various skin rashes and conjunctival xerosis have been reported with ß-blockers, including VISKEN®
Sinus bradycardia may occur with the use of VISKEN® due to unopposed vagal activity remaining after blockade of ß1-adrenergic receptors.
Please refer to the product monograph for a complete list of warnings
ADVERSE REACTIONS
- Congestive heart failure, severe bradycardia, may occur.
- Syncope, lightheadedness, and postural hypotension. Lengthening of PR interval, second degree AV block, palpitation, chest pains, cold extremities, Raynaud’s phenomenon, claudication, hot flushes. Very rarely arrhythmia, coronary insufficiency.
- Insomnia, nightmares, vivid dreams, fatigue, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, headache, mental depression, nervousness.
- Diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and dry mouth.
- Shortness of breath and/or dyspnea, wheezing, bronchospasm.
- Exanthema, sweating, pruritis, psoriasiform rash.
- Itching, burning, grittiness, dryness of the eyes
- Muscle cramps, appetite stimulation, weight gain, urinary frequency.
Please refer to the product monograph for a complete list of adverse reactions
ABOUT THE DISEASE
Hypertension:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure in the arteries, is diagnosed when the force of blood flowing through an individual’s blood vessels is consistently too high. This can be caused by several factors and is very common, especially over the age of 60.
Hypertension treatment is typically done through medication and nutritional alterations. Some medications include:
- Diuretics: increases urination which reduces the sodium and fluid content resulting in decreased blood pressure.
- Beta-blockers: help reduce the heart rate, decreasing blood pressure.
- Alpha-blockers: relaxes the muscles of arteries and veins.
Patient-dependent dietary changes may be made as well, including avoiding frozen, salty, and sugary foods; caffeine and alcohol; and red meats.
Angina Pectoris:
Angina pectoris, or angina, is recurrent chest pain or discomfort caused by a lack of oxygen to the heart. This occurs when arteries become narrowed and blocked by atherosclerosis or blood clot. It is very common, especially over the age of 60, and can be dangerous if left untreated.
Treatment of angina is typically done through medication, self-care, nutrition, and possibly procedures when needed. The types of medications used commonly include:
- Nitrates: enable more blood to stream into the heart.
- Beta-blockers: block the effects of epinephrine (hormone) to slow the heart rate and in turn reduce blood pressure.
- Statins: Drugs used to lower blood cholesterol.
In addition, lifestyle changes are often encouraged such as smoking cessation, increasing physical activity, and a healthier diet. In more serious cases, procedures such as angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery may be required.
CLINICAL TRIALS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Pindolol belongs to the class of medications called beta-blockers. It is used to treat high blood pressure and to prevent angina (chest pain). For treatment of high blood pressure, pindolol may be used alone or in combination with other medications that reduce high blood pressure, particularly thiazide diuretics (water pills). Pindolol works by decreasing the demands on the heart.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful to people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it
Common side effects include insomnia, nightmares, fatigue, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, headache, nervousness, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, dry mouth, shortness of breath, wheezing, bronchospasms, sweating, pruritis, rash, itching or burning eyes, muscle cramps, appetite stimulation, weight gain, and urinary frequency.
Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist
For hypertension treatment, Visken should be taken orally twice daily unless prescribed otherwise by your doctor.
For angina prevention, Visken should be taken orally three or four times per day per a dosing regime provided by your doctor
Visken® may interact with:
- MAO inhibitors
- Antidiabetic agents
- Calcium-channel blocking agents
- Anti-adrenergic agents
- NSAIDS
- Phenothiazines
- Sympathomimetic drugs
- Anesthetic agents
- Anti-arrhythmic agents
- Digitalis glycosides
- Ergot alkaloid
- Cimetidine
- Fingolimod
If you are taking any of these medications, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Visken
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Special caution should be exercised in patients who have or do experience the following:
- A history of heart failure,
- Prone to non-allergic bronchospasms,
- With impaired hepatic/renal function,
- Subject to spontaneous hypoglycemia, or
- Diabetic patients.
Visken should not be combined with other beta-blockers