Nadolol

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).

Introduction #

Generic name: Nadolol

Brand name: Corgard

Dosage form: oral tablet (20 mg; 40 mg; 80 mg)

Drug class: Non-cardioselective beta blockers

Uses #

Hypertension

Angina

Directions for use #

• 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.

Side effects #

Nadolol may cause serious side effects. 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 of nadolol 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.

What 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.

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.