Drug Factsheets

Apo-Pindol

In this factsheet:
• How does Apo-Pindol work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Apo-Pindol?
• What form(s) does Apo-Pindol come in?
• Who should NOT take Apo-Pindol?
• What side effects are possible with Apo-Pindol?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Apo-Pindol?
• What other drugs could interact with Apo-Pindol?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

What side effects are possible with Apo-Pindol?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• anxiety or nervousness
• constipation
• decreased sexual ability
• diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• drowsiness (slight)
• dry, sore eyes
• frequent urination
• itching of skin
• muscle cramps
• nausea or vomiting
• nightmares and vivid dreams
• numbness or tingling of fingers or toes
• stomach discomfort
• stuffy nose
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• back or joint pain
• breathing difficulty or wheezing
• chest pain
• cold hands and feet
• confusion
• depression
• dizziness upon getting up from a sitting or lying down position
• fever and sore throat
• hallucinations
• irregular heartbeat
• red, scaling, or crusted skin
• shortness of breath
• skin rash
• slow heartbeat (especially less than 50 beats per minute)
• swelling of ankles, feet, or lower legs
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Apo-Pindol?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Breathing problems: Patients with asthma and certain other breathing problems should not receive pindolol.

Diabetes: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking pindolol. People with diabetes who take insulin or other medications that work by reducing the insulin in the blood should be cautious and monitor blood sugar carefully while taking this medication.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Dizziness or fatigue may occur when starting treatment with this medication. This may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Exercise caution with these activities until you find out whether the medication affects you in this way.

Hyperthyroidism (high level of thyroid hormones): People with hyperthyroidism should be cautious while taking pindolol as it may reduce the symptoms of this condition giving a false impression of improvement. Stopping the medication suddenly could worsen this condition.

Kidney disease: This medication should be used with caution by people with reduced kidney function.

Liver disease: This medication should be used with caution by people with reduced liver function.

Severe allergies: People with allergies severe enough to cause anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction where swelling of the face, lips, and throat make it difficult to breathe) should talk to their doctor about what to do if they have an allergic reaction. Pindolol may make it more difficult to treat their allergic reaction with epinephrine.

Skin conditions: Various skin rashes and dry eyes have been reported with use of this medication.

Stopping usage: Pindolol should not be stopped suddenly by those who are taking it to treat angina. There have been reports of severe worsening of angina, and of heart attack or abnormal heart rhythms occurring in people with angina who have stopped this medication abruptly.

Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform all doctors involved in your care that you are taking this medication.

Pregnancy: Pindolol is not recommended for use by pregnant women.

Breast-feeding: Pindolol passes into breast milk. Its use by breast-feeding mothers is not recommended.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

What other drugs could interact with Apo-Pindol?

There may be an interaction between pindolol and any of the following:

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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