Pindolol is used in the treatment of Angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias and hypertension.
What is Pindolol?
Pindolol is a non-selective antihypertensive, antiadrenergic beta blocking receptor 1 (at cardiac levels) and beta 2 (at vascular and bronchial level), and it is also called "beta-adrenergic blocker" or simply "beta-blocker."
The effect on beta-receptors 1 consists of a reduction of heart activity due to decreased stimulation of the same receptors. Reducing the speed and the contractile force of the heart muscle and decreasing the speed of conduction of impulses through the conducting system, the response of the heart to stress and exercise is reduced and the coronary blood flow is improved. On the other hand, the effect on beta 2 receptors results in the inhibition of vasodilation and bronchodilation.
The intrinsic sympathomimetic action of this drug, thanks to the activation of the sympathetic tone, reduces the bradycardia to a minimum, which can be an annoying side effect of therapy based on beta-blockers.
How should Pindolol be taken?
The Pindolol is commercially available for oral use.
Side effects associated with Pindolol
The intake of Pindolol is usually well tolerated and its intrinsic sympathomimetic action also allows reducing the heart rate to a minimum with lowering effects typical of beta-blocker-based therapy.
Side effects that may result from the use of Pindolol (all transient and of little clinical significance) may in particular include: gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), fatigue, headache, dizziness and, in the case of hypersensitivity to the active substance, skin reactions.
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Pindolol
The administration of Pindolol to pregnant women requires careful evaluation of the benefits for the mother as well as the risks to the unborn child, but it is usually not recommended during pregnancy. Although Pindolol is devoid of embryotoxic substances, it is still under study for the possible presence of hemodynamic and metabolic effects that could compromise the health of the unborn child. Since there are no sufficient studies conducted on the accumulation of Pindolol in breast milk, its intake is not recommended during the period of breastfeeding.
