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February 9, 2010
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Medications and Drugs

Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

GENERIC NAME: nadolol

BRAND NAMES: Corgard

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Nadolol is a member of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor blockers that is used for treating high blood pressure and heart pain (angina). Examples of other beta-adrenergic blockers include propanolol (Inderal, Inderal LA), atenolol (Tenormin), and timolol (Blocadren). Norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) are chemicals released within the body that attach to receptors on several types of cells, including nerves and some muscles, and changes the way the cells function, either stimulating the cells or suppressing them. Nadolol prevents norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding to beta receptors on nerves. By blocking the effect of norepinephrine and epinephrine, beta blockers reduce heart rate, reduce the force of the heart's contractions, and reduce blood pressure by relaxing the muscles surrounding the blood vessels.

Heart pain (angina) occurs when the workload of the heart requires more oxygen than the blood can supply. By slowing the heart rate and decreasing the force of contractions of the heart, nadolol reduces the demand of the heart's muscle for oxygen and thereby prevents angina. Beta blockers may cause difficulty breathing since they cause the muscles surrounding the air passages of the lung to contract, narrowing the air passages and making it more difficult for air to pass through them. The FDA approved nadolol in 1979.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 20, 40, 80, 120,160 mg.

STORAGE: Nadolol should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Nadolol is used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). Nadolol also has been used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, tremor, and to prevent migraine headaches and anxiety.

DOSING: The recommended dose is 40-320 mg once daily. The maximum dose for treating angina is 240 mg daily and for hypertension is 320 mg daily. Nadolol may be administered with or without food.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: The blood pressure-lowering effects of nadolol are additive with other medications that lower blood pressure, and combinations of these other medications with nadolol often is used for treating persons with high blood pressure. When used in combination with diltiazem (Cardizem; Tiazac; Dilacor), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan, Covera), amiodarone (Cordarone), or digoxin (Lanoxin), however, nadolol can cause complete block of the heart's electrical system, a life-threatening condition.

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), can reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of beta- blockers.

Nadolol can mask the early warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment for diabetes.

PREGNANCY: Safe use of nadolol during pregnancy has not been established.

NURSING MOTHERS: Nadolol is excreted into breast milk. Nadolol should not be used while breastfeeding because of the potential risk of adverse effects in the nursing infant.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nadolol is generally well tolerated. Side effects include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, depression, impotence, lightheadedness, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, cold extremities, sore throat, and shortness of breath or wheezing. Nadolol can aggravate breathing difficulties in patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • Beta Blockers - Learn more about Beta Blockers, a drug that treats angina and other heart rhythm disorders, migraines, high blood pressure, panic attacks, and tremors. Generic and brand names are included in the article.
  • High Blood Pressure - Learn about high blood pressure symptoms like headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision and more. Causes, and normal blood pressure information is included.
  • Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

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Related Drugs - WebMD Health Network

nadolol, Corgard

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increas...

Read the High Blood Pressure article »











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