Visken

What is it?

An antianginal, antihypertensive preparation and noncardioselective β-blocker available as scored, white tablets in 2 strengths containing 5mg and 15mg of pindolol marked with name and strength.

Medical Uses

Angina, high blood pressure.

Dosage

Adults, angina, '/z to 1 tablet 3 times each day; high blood pressure, 10 to 15mg each day in divided doses at first, increasing weekly to a daily maximum of 45mg, if necessary.

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, anti- hypertensives, sympathomimetics, cimetidine, indomethacin, ergot- amine, 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, gastro-intestinal 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).