Viskaldix

What is it?

A combined noncardioselective β-blocker and thiazide available as scored white tablets marked with name containing 10mg of pindolol and 5mg of clopamide.

Medical Uses

High blood pressure.

Dosage

Start with 1 tablet in the morning increasing if required, after 2 or 3 weeks, to 2 or a maximum of 3 each day.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, metabolic acidosis, poor cerebral blood supply, history of bronchospasm, those undergoing anaesthesia; patients with weak hearts should be treated with digitalis and diuretics. Drug should be stopped gradually.

Avoid Use

Children, patients with asthma, heart diseases including heart block, heart shock, slow heartbeat rate, heart failure.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cardiac depressants, anaesthetics, reserpine, sedatives, class II calcium antagonists, antihypertensives, sympathomimetics, cimetidine, indomethacin, ergotamine, class I antiarrhythmic drugs, verapamil, clonidine withdrawal, hypoglycaemics, rifampicin, warfarin, ibuprofen.

Known Side Effects

Sleep disturbance, cold feet and hands, slow heartbeat, fatigue on exercise, wheeziness, heart failure, gastrointestinal disorders; dry eyes or skin rash (stop use gradually), hair loss, low blood pressure, thrombocytopenia (abnormal decline in blood platelets causing increased likelihood of bleeding).