nadolol

Nadolol is used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent chest pain (angina). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. In the management of chest pain, nadolol may also help to reduce the frequency of chest pain episodes and improve your ability to exercise.

Nadolol belongs to a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by blocking the action of certain natural substances such as adrenaline (epinephrine) on the heart and blood vessels. This results in a lowering of heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.

See also the Warning section.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. This medication treats, but does not cure, high blood pressure. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens (for example, if your routine blood pressure readings increase).

Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, and cough may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

This drug may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of the following unlikely but serious side effects occur: bluish color of the fingers/toes/nails, hair loss (reversible), mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, confusion, memory problems), numbness/tingling, decreased sexual ability, vision changes, wheezing, new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain).

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these unlikely but very serious side effects occur: slow/irregular/fast heartbeat, severe dizziness/fainting.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking nadolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other beta blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain types of heart rhythm problems (such as a slow heartbeat, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's disease, peripheral vascular disease), breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), heart failure, kidney disease, mental/mood disorders (such as depression), a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), skin conditions (such as atopy, psoriasis), overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), a certain type of tumor (pheochromocytoma).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

If you have diabetes, this product may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar level, such as dizziness and sweating, are not affected by this drug. This product may also make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for side effects such as dizziness while using this drug.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: alpha blockers (such as prazosin), arbutamine, other beta blockers (such as atenolol), clonidine, epinephrine, fenoldopam, fingolimod, methyldopa, neuromuscular blocking agents (such as tubocurarine), "water pills" (including diuretics such as furosemide).

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness/fainting, loss of consciousness, severe weakness, shortness of breath.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood pressure, kidney function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Have your blood pressure and pulse checked regularly while taking this medication. It may be best to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure and pulse.