VISKEN ® is a drug based on pindolol.
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Beta-blockers
IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects
Indications VISKEN ® Pindolol
VISKEN ® is indicated for the treatment of angina pectoris, with particular effectiveness in the prevention of seizures, hemodynamic disorders and cardiac rhythm disorders. Although pindolol has shown an evident antihypertensive effect, so much so that it is used in clinical practice also against hypertension, its hypotensive efficacy is still under study and characterization.
Mechanism of action VISKEN ® Pindolol
VISKEN ® is a drug based on pindolol, a beta-blocker with intrinsic sympathomimetic action.
Taken orally, it is completely absorbed in the gastro-intestinal tract, reaching maximum plasma concentration after about 2 hours from oral administration. The bioavailability of the drug remains quite high, given the modest first-pass hepatic effect.
Like the other cardioselective beta-blockers, the therapeutic action of pindolol is determined by the inhibitory effect on cardiac beta 2 receptors, which results in the negative inotropic and chronotropic action, useful for reducing cardiac work and improving blood flow. coronary.
The intrinsic sympathomimetic action, on the other hand, thanks to an appropriate activation of the sympathetic tone, allows to reduce to a minimum an annoying side effect of beta-blocker therapy, bradycardia.
The above biological effects allow VISKEN ® to be used successfully not only in the treatment of angina pectoris, but also in the treatment of heart rhythm and hypertension disorders.
Despite a short half-life, and the subsequent elimination by hepatic and renal route, pindolol guarantees a therapeutic action (in particular hypertensive) prolonged over time, so as to guarantee a good blood pressure control with the daily administration of a single dose.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
ANTIOXIDANT ACTION OF PINDOLOL
In vitro studies show the strong antioxidant action of pindolol. More precisely, the addition of this molecule is able to inhibit lipid peroxidation and the formation of reactive species. This important antioxidant action could be important in the protection of diseases on an inflammatory basis.
2. THE ANTI-DOLLY EFFECTS OF THE PINDOLLE
Although beta-blockers have long been used as drugs for the cardiovascular system, recent evidence suggests an implication of these molecules, particularly pindolol, in nociceptive transmission. In fact, clinical studies have shown that the pain sensation may be significantly reduced following administration of pindolol.
3. THE PINDOLLE IN THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION
Recent studies have shown that pindolol, if used concomitantly with serotoninergic antidepressant therapy, can guarantee an improvement in clinical symptoms in just six weeks, with a reduction in the score on the depression scale of about 50%.
Method of use and dosage
VISKEN ® 5 mg pindolol tablets: the dosage used in the treatment of angina pectoris and heart rhythm disorders is that of ½ - 1 tablet 3 times a day.
In case of poor therapeutic efficacy, and in particular pathological conditions, the doctor may decide to increase the dosage up to 4 tablets per day.
IN ANY CASE, BEFORE TAKING VISKEN ® Pindololo - THE REQUIREMENT AND CHECK OF YOUR DOCTOR IS NECESSARY.
Warnings VISKEN ® Pindolol
The administration of VISKEN ® should be preceded by a careful clinical and anamnestic evaluation of the patient, and accompanied by constant monitoring in particular categories of patients at risk. For example, in the case of diabetic patients, it is advisable to monitor glycemic levels and eventually correct the dosage of the hypoglycemic drug, given the ability of pindolol to mask some obvious signs of hypoglycemia, or monitor the electrocardiogram in the case of patients with recent heart attack myocardium.
It would also be advisable to have a strict medical check-up in the case of patients suffering from obstructive or asthma bronchopathy, who are treated with VISKEN ® or in patients with heart failure, for whom good pharmacological control is necessary a priori.
Pindolol treatment should be discontinued gradually for surgical procedures.
The presence of side effects, albeit slight, such as headache and dizziness, could alter the patient's normal perceptive abilities and make the use of machinery or driving vehicles dangerous.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
Although pindolol has been found to be free of embryotoxic and teratogenic effects, VISKEN ® is contraindicated during pregnancy, given the possible presence of hemodynamic and metabolic effects that could compromise the health of the fetus.
The absence of studies related to the kinetics of secretion of pindolol in breast milk, suggest the suspension of breastfeeding in case of concomitant therapy with VISKEN ®
Interactions
The absence of the classic bradycardia effect associated with beta-blocker therapy allows the potentially dangerous interactions of pindolol to be minimized.
Therefore, it would be advisable to pay particular attention in the event of any association with various types of hypotensive, in particular those belonging to the reserpine and guanetidine group.
It would also be advisable to avoid the concomitant administration of anti-MAO, tricyclic amines, volatile anesthetics, anti-arrhythmics and anticoagulants.
Dose adjustment of oral hypoglycemic agents may be required for diabetic patients receiving VISKEN® therapy
Contraindications VISKEN ® Pindolol
VISKEN ® is contraindicated in cases of metabolic acidosis, evident bradycardia, inadequately treated heart failure, atrioventricular block and in case of hypersensitivity to one of its components.
Despite the fact that pindolol has cardioselective activity, VISKEN ® is contraindicated in cases of asthma and obstructive bronchopathies.
Undesirable effects - Side effects
The intrinsic sympathomimetic action of pindolol allows VISKEN ® to be well tolerated and to reduce the bradycardia effect, sometimes responsible for the suspension of therapy.
The most commonly described effects were fatigue, dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders, headache, dizziness and skin reactions in case of hypersensitivity; all transient and of little clinical relevance.
Note
VISKEN ® is salable only under medical prescription.
The use of VISKEN ® in athletes, in the absence of therapeutic need, to reduce the physiological response to stress and the related symptoms (tremor of the limbs, increase in blood pressure, increase in emotional tension, etc.) is a DOPANT practice.
