What is pindolol?
Pindolol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).
Pindolol is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
Pindolol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about pindolol?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to pindolol, or if you have asthma, certain heart conditions (especially second or third degree heart block), heart failure, or severe slow heart rate.
Before taking pindolol, tell your doctor if you have bronchitis, emphysema, diabetes, heart disease, congestive heart failure, slow heart rate, coronary artery disease, low blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, depression, or a thyroid disorder.
Do not skip doses or stop taking pindolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse, and it can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. You will need to stop using pindolol gradually. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Pindolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.
Hypertension often has no symptoms, so you may not even feel that you have high blood pressure. Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pindolol?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to pindolol, or if you have:
Before taking pindolol, tell your doctor if you have:
bronchitis or emphysema;
diabetes (taking pindolol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar);
a heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heart rate, or congestive heart failure;
coronary artery disease;
low blood pressure;
liver or kidney disease;
depression; or
a thyroid disorder.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take pindolol.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Pindolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.