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.
- 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.
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