The Basics
What is Pindolol?
Widely used to treat hypertension and angina pectoris.
Brand names for Pindolol
Visken
How Pindolol is classified
Antihypertensive Agents, Adrenergic Beta-Antagonists, Antiarrhythmics
Pindolol During Pregnancy
Pindolol pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Pindolol while pregnant
Studies in rats and rabbits exceeding 100 times the maximum recommended human doses, revealed no embryotoxicity or teratogenicity. Since there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, and since animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Visken ® (pindolol), as with any drug, should be employed during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Taking Pindolol While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Pindolol?
Recommendation for Use During Lactation: Limited information indicates that maternal pindolol produces low levels in milk. It also has a short half-life and only moderate renal excretion, so it would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Recommendation for Use During Lactation: Limited information indicates that maternal pindolol produces low levels in milk. It also has a short half-life and only moderate renal excretion, so it would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months.
Possible effects of Pindolol on milk supply
Relevant published information on the effects of beta-blockade or pindolol during normal lactation was not found as of the revision date. A study in 6 patients with hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea found no changes in serum prolactin levels following beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol.[4]
Possible alternatives to Pindolol
Propranolol, Labetalol, Metoprolol.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Riant P, Urien S, Albengres E et al. High plasma protein binding as a parameter in the selection of betablockers for lactating women. Biochem Pharmacol. 1986;35:4579-81. PMID: 2878668
2. Goncalves PV, Cavalli RC, Cunha SP, Lanchote VL. Determination of pindolol enantiomers in amniotic fluid and breast milk by high-performance liquid chromatography: applications to pharmacokinetics in pregnant and lactating women. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2007;852:640-5. PMID: 17307403
3. Ho TK, Moretti ME, Schaeffer JK et al. Maternal beta-blocker usage and breast feeding in the neonate. Pediatr Res. 1999;45:67A. Abstract 385.
4. Board JA, Fierro RJ, Wasserman AJ et al. Effects of alpha- and beta-adrenergic blocking agents on serum prolactin levels in women with hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1977;127:285-7. PMID: 556882
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
