Pindolol can be hard to find at pharmacies in 2026. Learn why this beta blocker has availability issues and what you can do to get your prescription filled.
You hand over your prescription for Pindolol, and the pharmacist tells you they don't have it in stock. Maybe they say it's on backorder. Maybe they offer to order it but can't promise when it'll arrive. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone — and it's not your fault.
Pindolol is a nonselective beta blocker that has been used for decades to treat high blood pressure. It's also sometimes prescribed off-label to help boost the effects of antidepressants. Despite being an effective and well-established medication, many patients struggle to find it at their local pharmacy.
In this post, we'll explain what Pindolol is, why it's so hard to find in 2026, and — most importantly — what you can do about it.
Pindolol is a generic medication that was originally sold under the brand name Visken (now discontinued). It belongs to a class of drugs called beta blockers, which work by blocking certain receptors in the heart to slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure.
What makes Pindolol unique among beta blockers is its intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA) — meaning it partially stimulates the receptors it blocks. This can result in less slowing of the resting heart rate compared to other beta blockers. It also acts on serotonin receptors, which is why some psychiatrists use it to augment SSRI antidepressants.
Pindolol comes in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets and is typically taken twice a day. The usual dose range is 10 to 60 mg per day.
There are several reasons why you might have trouble finding Pindolol at your pharmacy in 2026:
Pindolol is an older generic medication with relatively low demand compared to newer beta blockers like Metoprolol or Atenolol. Because of this, only a handful of generic manufacturers produce it. When even one manufacturer has a production issue, it can create a ripple effect across the entire supply chain.
Most pharmacies stock medications based on demand. Since Pindolol is prescribed far less frequently than other beta blockers, many pharmacies — especially large chain pharmacies — simply don't keep it on their shelves. It's not that the drug doesn't exist; it's that your particular pharmacy may not carry it.
The original brand-name product, Visken, has been discontinued by its manufacturer. This means only generic versions are available. While generics are typically more affordable, having no brand-name option can reduce overall supply stability.
Even when Pindolol is being manufactured, getting it from the factory to your pharmacy involves distributors and wholesalers. Some smaller distributors may not prioritize low-volume generics like Pindolol, which can create gaps in availability at the pharmacy level.
Don't panic — there are real steps you can take to get your medication:
Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies that currently have Pindolol in stock near you. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability online and save yourself time and stress.
Independent and compounding pharmacies often have more flexible ordering relationships with wholesalers. They may be able to order Pindolol even when chain pharmacies cannot. Learn more about how to find Pindolol in stock near you.
If you do find a pharmacy that has Pindolol, ask your doctor about writing a prescription for a 90-day supply. This reduces the number of times you need to search for the medication and provides a buffer against future availability issues.
If Pindolol remains unavailable, your doctor may be able to switch you to a different beta blocker. Options include Propranolol, Metoprolol, Atenolol, or Nadolol. Each has slightly different properties, so it's important to discuss this with your provider. Read more about alternatives to Pindolol.
This is extremely important: never stop taking Pindolol abruptly without talking to your doctor. Suddenly stopping a beta blocker can cause dangerous rebound effects including chest pain, heart attack, or irregular heartbeat. If you're running low and can't find more, call your doctor right away.
Pindolol is a safe and effective medication that has been used for decades. The fact that it's hard to find doesn't mean there's anything wrong with it — it's a supply and demand issue tied to limited manufacturers and low pharmacy stocking rates.
If you're struggling to fill your Pindolol prescription, start by checking Medfinder for nearby pharmacy availability. You can also learn more about saving money on Pindolol or explore the latest shortage updates.
You deserve to have access to your medication. Don't give up — there are tools and resources that can help.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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