Description
Uses of Nadolol
Nadolol treats high blood pressure and prevents chest pain (angina). It works by lowering your blood pressure and heart rate, making it easier for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body. It belongs to a group of medications called beta blockers.
Precautions and Warnings
You should not use nadolol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- asthma;
- a serious heart condition such as “AV block” (2nd or 3rd degree) or severe heart failure; or
- if your heart cannot pump blood properly.
To make sure nadolol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
- congestive heart failure;
- a thyroid disorder;
- kidney disease;
- diabetes (taking nadolol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar); or
- a history of allergies.
It is not known whether nadolol will harm an unborn baby. Nadolol may cause heart or lung problems in a newborn if the mother takes the medicine during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using nadolol.
Nadolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking nadolol.
Dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Angina Pectoris:
Initial dose: 40 mg orally once a day; may be increased by 40 to 80 mg every 3 to 7 days until optimum response is obtained or pronounced heart rate reduction occurs
Maintenance dose: 40 to 80 mg orally once a day; up to 240 mg once a day may be required
Maximum dose: 240 mg/day
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: 40 mg orally once a day; may be increased in 40 to 80 mg increments until optimum blood pressure reduction is achieved
Maintenance dose: 40 to 80 mg orally once a day; up to 320 mg once a day may be required
Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Respiratory tract infections
- Flushing
- Fatigue
Serious Side Effects:
- Liver Toxicity: Regular liver function tests are mandatory during treatment as Nadolol can elevate liver enzymes.
- Anemi Monitoring of hemoglobin levels is crucial due to the risk of reduced red blood cells.
- Fluid Retention: Symptoms like swelling in the legs or sudden weight gain may indicate fluid retention.
