Indications 

Visken is a prescription medicine indicated for treating hypertension (high blood pressure), either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs, especially thiazide-type diuretics. 

Categorized as a beta blocker, Visken functions by dilating blood vessels and reducing heart rate to enhance blood circulation and reduce blood pressure. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before starting treatment with Visken and with every prescription refill, carefully review the medication guide and patient information leaflet given by your pharmacist. If you have any questions or apprehensions, promptly consult your doctor or pharmacist for assistance. 

Visken’s dosage is individualized according to the patient’s medical condition and treatment response. 

Typically, Visken is taken twice daily as prescribed by the doctor, without regard to food intake. 

To maximize effectiveness, take this medication at the same time(s) every day, exactly as directed. Avoid altering the prescribed dosage or frequency of intake without medical guidance. 

Continue taking Visken even if you are feeling well, as most individuals with high blood pressure do not experience noticeable symptoms.  

Avoid abrupt discontinuation of Visken, as it may lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, sweating, headaches, and rapid heartbeats. Consult your doctor for guidance on a safe cessation process. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Visken. Immediately tell your doctor if any of these symptoms persist or worsen. 

Common Side Effects 

• Dizziness 
• Muscle or joint discomfort 
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia) 
• Fatigue 

Serious Side Effects 

• Breathlessness (even with slight exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain 
• Irregular or slow heartbeats 
• A sensation of lightheadedness, potentially leading to fainting 
• Unusual alterations in mood or behavior 

Contact your doctor immediately if any of the serious side effects above are experienced. 

Allergic Reactions 

In rare cases, Visken may trigger a serious allergic response. Seek immediate medical attention if you observe any indications of an allergic reaction, such as: 

• Hives 
• Breathing difficulties 
• Swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat 

Not all side effects of Visken are included in this list. Notify your doctor of any additional side effects that may arise. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Visken, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to pindolol or to other beta-blockers (e.g., acebutolol). 

Consult your pharmacist for more details about Visken, as it may contain inactive components that may trigger allergic reactions or other complications. 

To ensure Visken is safe for you, disclose to your doctor your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) 
• Breathing conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis) 
• Circulatory issues (e.g., Raynaud’s disease, peripheral vascular disease) 
• Reduced blood flow to the heart/brain (e.g., coronary artery disease, stroke, transient ischemic attack) 
• Diabetes 
• Cardiac conditions (e.g., heart failure, heart attack, bradycardia) 
• Kidney disease 
• Liver disease 
• Mental and mood disorders (e.g., depression) 
• Specific muscular disorder (myasthenia gravis) 
• Hyperactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) 
• Particular tumor type (pheochromocytoma) 

Inform your healthcare providers about all your medications, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to lower the risk of drug interactions with Visken. 

Some of the products that may interact with Visken include: 

• Alpha-blockers (e.g., prazosin) 
• Other beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol) 
• Clonidine 
• Epinephrine 
• Fenoldopam 
• Fingolimod 
• Thioridazine 
• Other hypertension medications (e.g., methyldopa) 
• Medications influencing liver enzymes responsible for drug elimination (e.g., amiodarone, chlorpromazine, St. John’s wort) 

Review the labels of all your medications, including allergy or cough-and-cold products, as they may include ingredients that induce drowsiness. Consult your pharmacist for guidance on their safe use. 

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other sedative products, such as: 

•  Opioid pain or cough relievers (e.g., codeine, hydrocodone) 
• Alcohol 
• Marijuana (cannabis) 
• Sleep or anxiety medications (e.g., alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem)  
• Muscle relaxants (e.g., carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine) 
• Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, diphenhydramine) 

Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist if you are taking cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen, and ask how to use them safely with Visken. 

Visken has a sedative effect. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you are aware of its impact on you.  

The use of Visken may occasionally lead to an elevation in blood sugar levels, potentially exacerbating or triggering diabetes. Promptly notify your healthcare provider if you experience signs of high blood sugar, such as heightened thirst or frequent urination. 

Before undergoing surgery, inform the surgeon in advance about your usage of Visken. Temporary discontinuation of the medication might be required. 

The potential harm of Visken to a fetus remains uncertain. Inform your healthcare provider about your pregnancy status or intention to conceive. 

Refrain from breastfeeding during the use of Visken, as its active ingredient, pindolol, has the potential to transfer to breast milk and pose a risk to an infant being nursed.