pindolol

Action and Spectrum: 

pindolol has a short half-life, which means that it is quickly metabolized and eliminated from the body. This makes it a good option for patients who may not tolerate longer-acting beta-blockers. However, because of its non-selective action, pindolol may be less effective than more selective beta-blockers in certain situations, such as in the treatment of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Overall, the spectrum of action for pindolol includes reducing heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output, which can be useful in the treatment of hypertension, angina, and some heart rhythm disorders. Its mild stimulatory effect on the heart may make it a good option for some patients who may not tolerate other beta-blockers. However, its non-selective action may limit its use in certain patient populations. 

DRUG INTERACTION

Contraindicated  

Serious Use Alternative  

Monitor Closely  

Minor  

Frequency defined 

1-10% 

Dizziness (9%) 

Muscle pain (10%) 

Fatigue (8%) 

Elevated liver enzymes (7%) 

Insomnia (10%) 

Nervousness (7%) 

Joint pain (7%) 

Vivid dreams (5%) 

Edema (6%) 

Abdominal discomfort (4-5%) 

Muscle cramps (3%) 

Nausea (4-5%) 

Paresthesias (3%) 

Cold extremities (2%) 

Bradycardia (2%) 

None

Contraindication / Caution: 

pindolol is contraindicated in patients with: 

• Severe bradycardia (slow heart rate) 
• Second- or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block 
• Decompensated heart failure 
• Cardiogenic shock 
• Hypersensitivity to pindolol or any component of the medication 

pindolol should also be used with caution in patients with: 

• Diabetes mellitus, as it can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) 
• Bronchospastic disease (such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) due to its non-selective beta-blocking activity, which can cause bronchospasm 
• Peripheral vascular disease, as it can exacerbate the symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon (a condition that causes decreased blood flow to the fingers and toes) 
• Thyrotoxicosis (a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland), as it can mask the symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) 
• Renal or hepatic impairment, as pindolol is metabolized and excreted by the liver and kidneys, and its clearance may be decreased in patients with impaired organ function 

 

Pregnancy warnings:   

Pregnancy category: B

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown

Pregnancy Categories:     

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology: 

pindolol is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as beta-blockers. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain heart conditions such as angina pectoris (chest pain) and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) 

Pharmacodynamics: 

pindolol works by blocking the action of adrenaline and other stress hormones on the beta-receptors located in the heart and blood vessels. By doing so, it reduces the workload on the heart and helps to relax the blood vessels, which in turn lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

pindolol is well absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours.  

Distribution 

pindolol is highly protein-bound (over 90%) and has a large volume of distribution. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and can also enter breast milk. 

Metabolism 

pindolol is primarily metabolized by the liver via the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme system, specifically the CYP2D6 isoenzyme 

Elimination and Excretion 

pindolol and its metabolites are eliminated via the kidneys, with approximately 40% of the dose excreted unchanged in the urine. The half-life of pindolol is about 3-4 hours 

Administration: 

pindolol is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and some heart rhythm disorders. 

pindolol is usually taken orally in tablet form. The typical dose of pindolol for adults is 5-10 mg, two or three times per day. 

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: pindolol 

Why do we use pindolol? 

pindolol is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers. It works by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels, which results in the slowing of heart rate and the relaxation of blood vessels, leading to a reduction in blood pressure.