Visken is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Visken is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Visken may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use Visken if you have asthma, or if you have a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree), uncontrolled heart failure, slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint, or if your heart cannot pump blood properly.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Visken. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Do not stop using Visken suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (tremors, sweating, headache, rapid heartbeats). Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

Store Visken at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

You should not use Visken if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• asthma;

• "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree);

• uncontrolled heart failure;

• slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint; or

• if your heart cannot pump blood properly.

To make sure Visken is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• bronchitis, emphysema;

• angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease;

• diabetes;

• a thyroid disorder;

• depression; or

• liver or kidney disease.

It is not known whether Visken will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Pindolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Visken is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include slow heartbeats, shortness of breath, or severe dizziness.

Visken may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Visken may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

• slow or uneven heartbeats;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

• unusual changes in mood or behavior.

Common side effects of Visken may include:

• dizziness;

• muscle or joint pain;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• digoxin, digitalis;

• insulin or oral diabetes medicine; or

• other blood pressure medications.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with pindolol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.