nadolol at a glance
Medicine class
Non-selective beta blocker
Main roles
Cardiovascular control, migraine prevention and relief of thyrotoxicosis symptoms
Food
Food does not materially affect absorption
Important precaution
Do not stop suddenly without medical guidance
What is nadolol used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Long-term management of angina pectoris
Essential hypertension, alone or with other blood-pressure-lowering treatment
Cardiac tachyarrhythmias
Prevention of migraine; it is not licensed to treat an attack already under way
Relief of hyperthyroidism symptoms and control around thyroid surgery, alongside conventional treatment where appropriate
How does nadolol work?
Nadolol blocks beta receptors throughout the body, reducing responses to adrenaline-like chemicals. This slows the heart, reduces its workload and oxygen demand, lowers blood pressure, and slows conduction through the atrioventricular node. Its migraine-preventing mechanism is not fully established.
nadolol preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 80 mg
How to take nadolol
Follow the prescriber's directions and do not change the amount yourself.
Swallow the tablet by mouth with water.
It may be taken without regard to meals.
Tell the prescriber if its effect seems too strong or too weak.
Do not stop treatment suddenly unless a clinician directs and supervises withdrawal.
nadolol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Tiredness
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Slow heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Cold fingers or toes or Raynaud-type symptoms
- Heart failure or disturbances of heart rate, rhythm or conduction
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction with facial or throat swelling or breathing difficulty
- Marked slowing of the heart, fainting or collapse
- New or worsening chest pain or signs of heart failure
- Bronchospasm, severe wheezing or breathing difficulty
- Severe low blood sugar, which can rarely cause seizures or coma
nadolol in pregnancy
Nadolol can be used during pregnancy when recommended after medical review, but evidence specific to nadolol is limited. Beta blockers have not been shown to increase birth-defect, stillbirth or premature-birth risk overall, although fetal growth may need monitoring. Exposure near birth can occasionally cause temporary slow heartbeat, low blood sugar or breathing problems in the newborn.
nadolol while breastfeeding
Nadolol passes into breast milk and may accumulate, so breastfeeding requires an individual specialist assessment. The product information advises deciding with the clinician whether breastfeeding or nadolol therapy should be changed; do not stop either without advice. Specialist medicines advice is particularly important for premature or unwell infants.
nadolol interactions
Ask a prescriber or pharmacist to check all prescribed, pharmacy and herbal products. Important examples include:
Verapamil, diltiazem and other calcium-channel blockers
Cardiac effects may be increased, with greater risk of slow heartbeat, low blood pressure or conduction problems.
Other antihypertensives and diuretics
Blood pressure may fall too far, causing dizziness, postural symptoms or fainting.
Clonidine
Withdrawal order matters because stopping clonidine at the wrong time can cause harmful cardiovascular effects.
Common questions about nadolol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is nadolol used for?
It is licensed for angina, essential hypertension, fast abnormal heart rhythms, migraine prevention and relief of thyrotoxicosis symptoms.
Is nadolol a beta blocker?
Yes. It is a non-selective beta blocker, meaning it blocks more than one type of beta receptor.
Does nadolol stop a migraine that has already started?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.