Nadolol is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to prevent angina (chest pain). Nadolol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by slowing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard.
Directions
Nadolol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take nadolol, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take nadolol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of nadolol and gradually increase your dose.
Other uses for Nadolol
Nadolol is also used sometimes to prevent migraine headaches, to treat irregular heartbeat, and to treat tremors caused by Parkinson's disease. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
Before taking Nadolol
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nadolol or any other medications.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: insulin and oral medications for diabetes; and reserpine (Serpalan, Serpasil, Serpatabs). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or other lung disease, a slow heart rate, heart or kidney disease, diabetes, severe allergies, or an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking nadolol, call your doctor.
If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking nadolol.
Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
you should know that if you have allergic reactions to different substances, your reactions may be worse while you are using nadolol, and your allergic reactions may not respond to the usual doses of injectable epinephrine.
Side Effects
Nadolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Nadolol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.
