Pindolol

Pindolol (originally marketed as Visken, now marketed under many brands as a generic drug) is a beta blocker.

Medical use

Pindolol is used for hypertension in the US, Canada, and Europe, and also for angina pectoris outside the US. When used alone for hypertension, pindolol can significantly lower blood pressure and heart rate, but the evidence base for its use is weak, as the number of subjects in published studies is small.

In some countries pindolol is also used for arrhythmias and prophylaxis of acute stress reactions.

Contraindications

Similar to propranolol with an extra contraindication for hyperthyroidism. In patients with thyrotoxicosis, possible deleterious effects from long-term use of pindolol have not been adequately appraised. Beta-blockade may mask the clinical signs of continuing hyperthyroidism or complications, and give a false impression of improvement. Therefore, abrupt withdrawal of pindolol may be followed by an exacerbation of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including thyroid storm.