Nadolol

Generic name: nadolol [ na-DOE-lol ]
Brand name: Corgard

Drug class: Beta-adrenergic blocker

Dosage form: Tablet

Route of administration: Oral

Available Dose:

• Tablets: 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg

Mechanism of action: Nadolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker that reduces heart rate, cardiac output, and blood pressure by blocking the action of epinephrine and norepinephrine on beta-adrenergic receptors, which decreases the workload on the heart and helps to prevent arrhythmias.

Drug usage cases: Nadolol is used primarily for the management of hypertension (high blood pressure) and for the prevention of angina pectoris (chest pain). It is also used in the treatment of arrhythmias and to prevent migraine headaches.

Drug contraindications: Contraindicated in patients with bradycardia (slow heart rate), second or third-degree heart block, cardiogenic shock, overt cardiac failure, and in those with a history of hypersensitivity to nadolol or its components.

Side effects: Common side effects include fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. More serious but rare side effects include bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm, and heart block.

Warnings: Caution is advised in patients with bronchospastic diseases, diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, and renal impairment. Abrupt discontinuation of nadolol should be avoided as it can exacerbate angina and precipitate myocardial infarction in patients with coronary artery disease.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Nadolol is categorized as a pregnancy category C drug. It should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Nadolol is excreted in human milk, and breastfeeding while using nadolol is not recommended.