Nadolol - Oral

What Is Nadolol?

Nadolol is a prescription medication that has been approved for maintenance treatment of high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). The brand of Corgard, which was available in tablet form to be taken orally, is no longer manufactured. The generic form, nadolol, is available as a prescription tablet. 

This medication is a beta-blocker that binds to the beta 1 receptors on the heart muscle and the beta 2 receptors of the blood vessels and the bronchi (airways). These actions cause nadolol to slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure.

What Is Nadolol Used For?

Nadolol is approved for:

• Long-term treatment for people who have experienced angina pectoris: This is a type of chest pain that is an indication of coronary artery disease. Angina is considered a sign that a person is at risk of having a heart attack. 
• Long-term management of hypertension (high blood pressure): Healthcare providers may prescribe nadolol with or without another antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering) medication. Nadololol is also commonly prescribed with a thiazide-type diuretic (water pill).

This medication is not used for emergency treatment or to stop symptoms while they are happening.

How to Take Nadolol

Take nadolol as prescribed, usually once a day, with or without food.

Storage

Keep this medication in its original container and out of the reach of children or pets. 

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit). Avoid exposing your medication to excessive heat and keep it protected from light.

Off-Label Uses

Healthcare providers may prescribe nadolol for off-label uses, meaning for conditions not specifically indicated by the FDA, due to its beta-blocking activity.

Off label uses of nadolol include:

• Long QT syndrome: A heart condition that causes an irregular heartbeat 
• Pediatric subglottic hemangioma: A congenital (from birth) blood vessel growth in the throat that can block the airways 
• Redness of the face associated with blood vessel changes in rosacea (a skin condition)

If you or your child is prescribed this medication for an off-label indication, your dose might differ from the standard dose used to manage angina or high blood pressure.

What Are the Side Effects of Nadolol?

Nadolol can cause a variety of side effects that are related to its beta-receptor blocking action. Some side effects can be bothersome, and some may pose a danger to your health. Therefore, you must become aware of the potential side effects, so you will be able to get treatment or medical attention if needed.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of nadolol are: 

• Slow heart rate
• Dizziness 
• Tiredness 
• Nausea 
• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal discomfort 
• Constipation 
• Indigestion
• Decreased appetite 
• Boating 
• Passing gas
• Fever
• Sore throat 
• Difficulty sleeping

Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects while taking nadolol. Many of these side effects can be managed with lifestyle modifications or medication.

Severe Side Effects

Nadolol can cause severe side effects for some people.

Serious side effects include: 

• Anaphylactic reaction: This can cause difficulty breathing, rash, and blood pressure changes. Sometimes the standard treatment for the anaphylactic reaction may not be effective, and repeat treatment might be necessary. 
• Trouble breathing
• Decreased level of consciousness 
• Vision changes 
• Hallucinations 
• Disorientation 
• Memory loss 
• Emotional changes 
• Blood flow changes in the intestines can cause abdominal discomfort or pain 
• Liver damage 
• Blood clotting problems 
• Pemphigoid rash, which causes skin blisters and redness
• Peyronie’s disease, or scarring of the penis that causes it to bend
  

These conditions can be dangerous for your health. Get medical attention if you develop symptoms.

Long-Term Side Effects

The effects of nadolol should wear off within a few days after you stop taking it. The consequences of side effects may last longer if you have experienced organ damage or other serious harm to your body.

Dosage: How Much Nadolol Should I Take?

Modifications

Your nadolol dose may need to be adjusted if you have kidney failure. Typically, the dose adjustment is made by spacing out each dose at longer intervals than every 24 hours based on a decrease in creatinine clearance, a measure of kidney function.

Missed Dose

If you miss your scheduled dose of nadolol, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, you should take your next dose without doubling up on doses and then resume your regular schedule.

Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Nadolol?

Taking an excess amount of nadolol can cause harm to your health. An overdose may require treatment, depending on the effects.

Symptoms of overdose and the treatments you might receive for them include:

• Low heart rate: Treated with atropine
• Heart failure: Treated with digitalis glycoside and a diuretic
• Low blood pressure: Treated with vasopressors, such as epinephrine or levarterenol
• Spasm of the airways: Treated with a beta2-stimulating agent and/or a theophylline derivative

A hemodialysis procedure or gastric lavage can sometimes remove nadolol from the body in the event of an overdose.

Precautions

What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Take Nadolol?

You would not be prescribed nadolol if you have any of the following conditions:

• Bronchial asthma
• Sinus bradycardia 
• Greater than first-degree conduction block
• Cardiogenic shock
• Heart failure 
• Pheochromocytoma
• A history of an allergic reaction to this medication

What Other Medications Interact With Nadolol?

Nadolol can have a number of potential drug interactions. If you need to use nadolol with a drug that can cause an interaction, your healthcare provider will monitor you for any side effects.

Drug interactions can occur if you take nadolol with:

• Anesthetics: If you take nadolol, anesthetic medication given for surgery can lower your blood pressure. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you need any medication adjustments prior to your surgery.
• Medications used to treat diabetes (e.g., oral agents and insulin): Nadolol can alter your glucose level when taken with these drugs.
• Reserpine: When used together, the combination can cause low blood pressure or slow heart rate.
• Digitalis glycosides: The combination of the two medications can slow heart rate.

What Medications Are Similar?

There are many different types of medications that are prescribed for managing high blood pressure.

Other beta-blockers used for maintaining optimal blood pressure include: 

• Tenormin (atenolol)
• Zebeta (bisoprolol)
• Toporol XL, Lopressor (metoprolol)
• Inderal (propranolol)
• Sectral (acebutolol)
• Coreg (carvedilol)
• Brevibloc (esmolol)
• Normodyne, Trandate (labetalol)

How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Nadolol?

While you are taking nadolol, it’s important to maintain healthy life habits to prevent high blood pressure and heart disease. This includes not smoking, getting regular exercise, avoiding processed or high-fat foods, staying at a healthy weight, and keeping your blood sugar in check if you have diabetes.

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you experience any chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, as these can be signs of a heart attack.

Tell your healthcare provider if you develop mild side effects of nadolol. Have a plan in place so you and whoever you live with will know what to do if you have an emergency.