Nadolol

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 relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

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 to allow your body to adjust to the medication. Talk to your doctor about how you feel and about any symptoms you experience during this time.

Nadolol controls your condition but does not cure it. Continue to take nadolol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking nadolol without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking nadolol, you may experience serious heart problems such as angina (chest pain), heart attack, or an irregular heartbeat. Your doctor will probably want to decrease your dose gradually over 1 to 2 weeks. Your doctor will watch you carefully and will probably tell you to avoid physical activity during this time.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

Nadolol is also used sometimes to prevent migraine headaches. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

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This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

🔔 What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking nadolol,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nadolol, any other medications, or any ingredients in nadolol tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking while taking nadalol. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have asthma or other lung diseases, a slow or irregular heartbeat, or heart failure. Your doctor may tell you not to take nadolol.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease, diabetes, pheochromocytoma (a tumor that develops on a gland near the kidneys and may cause high blood pressure and fast heartbeat), or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland). Also tell your doctor if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction to a food or any other substance.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. 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.
• you should know that nadolol may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and prevent the warning signs and symptoms that would tell you that your blood sugar is low. Let your doctor know if you are unable to eat or drink normally or are vomiting while you are taking nadolol. You should know the symptoms of low blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms.
• you should know that if you have allergic reactions to different substances, your reactions may be worse while you are taking nadolol, and your allergic reactions may not respond to the usual doses of injectable epinephrine.
• you should know that if you have allergic reactions to different substances, your reactions may be worse while you are taking nadolol, and your allergic reactions may not respond to the usual doses of injectable epinephrine.

🔔 What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.