Visken (Pindolol) Drug Information: Overdosage and Contraindications

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May 27, 2012

Visken

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Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are a class of drugs that works by blocking the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding to receptors. There are three known types of beta receptors, known as beta₁ (β₁), beta₂ (β₂) and beta₃ (β₃).

β₁-adrenergic receptors are located commonly in the heart and kidneys.
β₂-adrenergic receptors are located mainly in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver, uterus, vascular smooth muscle, and skeletal muscle.
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When the neurotransmitters are prevented from binding to the receptors, it in turn causes the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) to be blocked. This action allows the he...

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OVERDOSE

No specific information on emergency treatment of overdosage is available. Therefore, on the basis of the pharmacologic actions of Visken ® (pindolol), the following general measures should be employed as appropriate in addition to gastric lavage:

Excessive Bradycardia : administer atropine; if there is no response to vagal blockade, administer isoproterenol cautiously.

Cardiac Failure : digitalize the patient and/or administer diuretic. It has been reported that glucagon may be useful in this situation.

Hypotension : administer vasopressors, e.g., epinephrine or levarterenol, with serial monitoring of blood pressure. (There is evidence that epinephrine may be the drug of choice.)

Bronchospasm : administer a beta 2 stimulating agent such as isoproterenol and/or a theophylline derivative.

A case of an acute overdosage has been reported with an intake of 500 mg of Visken ® (pindolol) by a hypertensive patient. Blood pressure increased and heart rate was ³80 beats/min. Recovery was uneventful. In another case, 250 mg of Visken® (pindolol) was taken with 150 mg diazepam and 50 mg nitrazepam, producing coma and hypotension. The patient recovered in 24 hours.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Visken ® (pindolol) is contraindicated in: 1) bronchial asthma; 2) overt cardiac failure; 3) cardiogenic shock; 4) second and third degree heart block; 5) severe bradycardia. (See WARNINGS)

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/13/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.