Generic name: nadolol (na DOE lol)
Brand name: Corgard
Dosage forms: oral tablet (20 mg; 40 mg; 80 mg)
Drug class: Non-cardioselective beta blockers
Nadolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).
Nadolol is used to treat angina (chest pain) or hypertension (high blood pressure).
Nadolol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use nadolol if you have asthma, a serious heart condition, severe heart failure, or if your heart cannot pump blood properly.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use nadolol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- asthma;
- a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree) or severe heart failure; or
- if your heart cannot pump blood properly.
To make sure nadolol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
- congestive heart failure;
- a thyroid disorder;
- kidney disease;
- diabetes (taking nadolol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar); or
- a history of allergies.
It is not known whether nadolol will harm an unborn baby. Nadolol may cause heart or lung problems in a newborn if the mother takes the medicine during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using nadolol.
Nadolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking nadolol.
How should I take nadolol?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use nadolol in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Nadolol is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Do not skip doses or stop using nadolol suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using nadolol.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using nadolol.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medicine 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.
Nadolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is less than 8 hours away. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include slow heart rate, extreme dizziness, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking nadolol?
nadolol may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of nadolol.
Nadolol side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- slow heartbeats;
- shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain; or
- bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing).
Common side effects may include:
- numbness or cold feeling in your hands or feet;
- dizziness;
- feeling tired;
- upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
- vision problems; or
- mood changes, confusion, memory problems.
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.
Nadolol dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Angina Pectoris:
Initial dose: 40 mg orally once a day; may be increased by 40 to 80 mg every 3 to 7 days until optimum response is obtained or pronounced heart rate reduction occurs
Maintenance dose: 40 to 80 mg orally once a day; up to 240 mg once a day may be required
Maximum dose: 240 mg/day
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: 40 mg orally once a day; may be increased in 40 to 80 mg increments until optimum blood pressure reduction is achieved
Maintenance dose: 40 to 80 mg orally once a day; up to 320 mg once a day may be required
What other drugs will affect nadolol?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
- digoxin, digitalis;
- insulin or oral diabetes medicine; or
- reserpine, or other blood pressure medications.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with nadolol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.