by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: October 18, 2010   Last Updated: October 19, 2010

Nadolol is a betablocker drug prescribed to control high blood pressure and to prevent angina. It is a non – selective beta blocker drug. That means it acts on both beta 1 and 2 receptors and has more side effects compared to other beta blockers such as Atenolol.

What are the common side effects?

Nadolol causes reduction in heart rate to some extent. Some patients may not tolerate sudden reduction of heart rate and complain dizziness, light headedness, and faintish ness, especially elderly patients. Patients are advised to take the first dose of the drug then lie in the bed for at least two hours. Later body adapts to these symptoms and patient can continue his/her daily routine. Nausea and diarrhea occur in around 2% of patients. Dry mouth is another common side effect. In addition, you can have reduced exercise tolerance and easy fatigability with Nadolol.

What are the rare side effects?

Rare adverse effects of Nadolol include dizziness and mental depression. Certain patients can have lethargy, drowsiness, abnormal dreams, lightheadedness, and vertigo. Rarely patients complain visual disturbances, disorientation, emotional lability, and psychosis.

Is it safe during Pregnancy and breast feeding?

Nadolol may cause intra uterine growth restriction (IUGR), hypoglycemia in new born, and bradycardia in new born. Significant amounts are present in breast milk. So avoid taking this drug during breast feeding.

Why this medication is prescribed?

This drug is mainly prescribed in hypertension. It is also used in patients with Angina. Another indication is cardiac rhythm abnormalities.

In addition, doctors prescribe Nadolol for Migraine prevention. Here it is usually given in lowest possible dose, once a day. Then the doctor gradually increases the dose until satisfactory control is achieved.

It is also prescribed in increased thyroid gland function (thyrotoxicosis), because it causes reduction of hyperthyroid symptoms such as tremors.

What the doctor should know before prescribing?

If you have following problems inform your doctor before taking Nadolol

* Sick sinus syndrome

* Pheochromocytoma

* Supraventricular tachycardia

* Prinzmetal’s angina

* Bronchial asthma

* Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

* Any other heart disease Before prescribing, doctor should know all the drugs you are taking including all the over the counter, recreational drugs and herbal medications.

How to take Nadolol?

This drug is available as tablets. It should be taken with a full glass of water as prescribed by the doctor. In addition, it should not be crushed before use.

How Nadolol works?

Nadolol works by reducing the heart rate. Since it is a non-selective beta blocker it blocks beta 2 receptors. Beta 2 receptor blockade results in smaller air way constriction. This aggravates bronchial asthma and other respiratory disorders. So it is extremely important to talk with your doctor, if you have any respiratory problems.

Sources

British National Formulary

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