by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: September 08, 2010

Visken is a prescription only Antihypertensive drug in the beta adrenergic blocker family. Its generic name is Pindolol. Unlike other beta adrenergic blockers such as this drug has low side effects profile. It is due to its ability to partially stimulate beta adrenergic receptor. It causes less reduction of the heart rate and less coldness in fingers and toes.

How it acts?

Visken blocks beta adrenergic receptors in various human organs such as heart and blood vessels. This causes reduction in heart rate. Reduced heart rate reduces blood pressure. Blocking beta receptors in unnecessary areas cause’s side effects.  

What the doctor should know before prescribing Visken?

If the patient has sick sinus syndrome, supraventricular tachycardia, prinzmetal’s angina, Bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or Heart disease then patient must discuss with the doctor before taking Visken. Before prescribing doctor should know the drugs patient is taking including all the over the counter and herbal medications.

This drug is available as tablets. It should be taken with a full glass of water as prescribed by the doctor. It should not be crushed before use.

What are the common side effects?

Visken causes reduction in heart rate to some extent. Some patients may not tolerate sudden reduction of heart rate and complain dizziness, light headedness, and faintish ness, especially elderly patients. Patients are advised to take the first dose of the drug then lie in the bed for at least two hours. Later body adapts to these symptoms and patient can continue his/her daily routine. Nausea and diarrhea occur in around 2% of patients. Dry mouth is another common side effect.

Patients can have reduced exercise tolerance and easy fatigability with Visken.

What are the rare side effects?

Rare adverse effects of Visken include dizziness, fatigue, and mental depression. Few patients can have lethargy, drowsiness, abnormal dreams, lightheadedness, and vertigo. Rarely patients complain visual disturbances, disorientation, emotional lability, and psychosis.

What are the important interactions?

Visken can mask the symptoms of low blood glucose in diabetic patients receiving blood glucose lowering agents (diaonil). Sometimes this can become dangerous.

Patients can have enhanced hypotensive effect, when Visken taken with alcohol. This can leads to syncope attacks.

Pregnancy and Breast feeding

Visken may cause intra uterine growth restriction (IUGR), hypoglycemia in new born, and reduced heart rate in new born. Significant amounts are present in breast milk. So avoid taking this drug during breast feeding.

Sources

British National Formulary (www.bnf.org)

AHFS Drug information

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