Nadolol Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Nadolol Tablet is a beta blocker medicine used to treat high blood pressure and to prevent chest pain (angina). It is not meant for treating sudden chest pain attacks. It works by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure so the heart doesn't have to work as hard. The brand name is Corgard.

What is Nadolol Tablet

Nadolol is a beta blocker medicine used to treat high blood pressure and to prevent chest pain (angina). It is not for treating sudden chest pain attacks. The brand name is Corgard.

Nadolol Tablet uses

• Treats high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Prevents chest pain (angina)

Benefits of Nadolol Tablet

• Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems
• May help reduce the frequency of chest pain episodes and improve your ability to exercise

How Nadolol Tablet works

Nadolol blocks the effects of adrenaline-like substances on the heart and blood vessels. This slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the strain on the heart, so the heart doesn't have to work as hard.

Nadolol Tablet dosage

Take this medicine by mouth at the same time every day, as directed on your prescription label. You can take it with or without food; if it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it even if you feel well — it controls high blood pressure but does not cure it.

Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor, since this can increase the risk of chest pain or heart attack; your doctor may lower your dose slowly if you need to stop. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one — do not take double doses.

Talk to your care team about use in children, since special care may be needed. This medicine is only for you — do not share it with others.

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet

Side effects of Nadolol Tablet

Common

• Change in sex drive or performance
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Constipation
• Nasal congestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth, eyes, or skin
• Weight gain
• Blurred vision

Serious

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Chest pain or discomfort, dilated neck veins, extreme fatigue, irregular breathing, irregular heartbeat, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, trouble breathing

Warnings and precautions

• Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine, as this can increase the risk of serious problems like chest pain and heart attack. Your doctor will need to lower the dose gradually if you no longer need it.
• This medicine can cause heart failure in some people. Get medical help right away if you have chest pain, swollen neck veins, extreme tiredness, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, or unexplained weight gain.
• This medicine can change blood sugar levels and can hide the usual warning signs of low blood sugar, such as a fast heartbeat. People with diabetes should check their blood sugar often while taking this medicine.
• Tell any doctor or dentist treating you that you take this medicine, especially before surgery or a procedure, since it should not be stopped suddenly without your doctor's approval.
• Do not treat coughs, colds, or pain on your own without asking your care team first, since some over-the-counter medicines can raise your blood pressure.
• If you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, you should discuss the use of this medication with your doctor.
•  There isn't enough information on risks to the baby, and this type of beta blocker may affect fetal growth, so the baby may need to be monitored for low blood pressure, slow heart rate, low blood sugar, or breathing problems after birth.
• There isn't enough research in women to know the risk to a breastfeeding infant. You and your doctor should weigh the possible benefits against the possible risks before using this medicine while breastfeeding.
• If you have kidney disease, this medicine should be used with caution, since the body may remove it more slowly, increasing its effects.
• Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine can increase the risk of dizziness and fainting spells.
• This medicine may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F)
• Protect from light
• Keep the container tightly closed
• Avoid exposure to extreme heat
• Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed
• Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Contact your care team right away if you have signs of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, or unusual weakness or fatigue.
• Seek help if you feel dizzy, faint, lightheaded, or have blurry vision, which can be signs of low blood pressure.
• Watch for signs of a slow heartbeat, such as dizziness, feeling faint, confusion, trouble breathing, or unusual weakness, and report these to your care team right away.
• If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact a poison control center or go to an emergency room right away.

Alternatives

• Bisoprolol
• Metoprolol
• Atenolol
• Propranolol