Nadolol
Pronunciation: (nay-DOH-lol).
- Generic name
- nadolol
- Brand names
- Apo-Nadolol, Corgard, Nadocard, Nadocor, Nadomax
- Drug class
- Non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker (beta blocker)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What nadolol is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how nadolol works
Nadolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker. It inhibits both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors, resulting in decreased heart rate, myocardial contractility, and cardiac output. This leads to reduced blood pressure and decreased oxygen demand by the heart. (1)
What nadolol is used for
Hypertension (FDA-approved)
Hypertension (FDA-approved) (2)
Angina pectoris, long-term management (FDA-approved)
Angina pectoris, long-term management (FDA-approved) (2)
Certain supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (off-label use, not an FDA-approved indication)
Used at a prescriber's clinical judgment; not listed in the FDA-approved label. (2)
Migraine prophylaxis (off-label use, not an FDA-approved indication)
Used at a prescriber's clinical judgment; not listed in the FDA-approved label. (2)
Before taking nadolol
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with bronchial asthma, overt cardiac failure, severe bradycardia, second- or third-degree AV block, and cardiogenic shock. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take nadolol
- General Instructions: Take nadolol exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more or less than directed.. Adult Dosing: For hypertension: Initial dose is usually 40 mg once daily; may be increased as needed. For angina: 40–80 mg once daily, adjusted as needed. Maximum dose is typically 240 mg daily.. Pediatric Dosing: Pediatric dosing is individualized and should be determined by a pediatric specialist.. Administration: Take with or without food, at the same time each day. Swallow tablets whole with water.. When To Stop: Do not stop taking nadolol suddenly. Stopping abruptly can worsen heart problems. Consult your doctor before discontinuing.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take an extra dose to catch up.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include very slow heart rate, severe dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center immediately. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Bradycardia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Fatigue
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hypotension
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Bronchospasm
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Cold extremities
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Depression
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
May mask symptoms of low blood sugar in diabetics — serious
Symptoms: May mask symptoms of low blood sugar in diabetics. Use with caution in patients with respiratory diseases. May worsen symptoms of peripheral vascular disease. Not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly needed. Monitor for signs of heart failure or bradycardia.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with bronchial asthma, overt cardiac failure, severe bradycardia, second- or third-degree AV block, and cardiogenic shock. Use with caution in patients with diabetes, renal impairment, peripheral vascular disease, and those with a history of severe allergic reactions.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Nadolol can interact with other medications that lower blood pressure, antiarrhythmics, calcium channel blockers, insulin or oral diabetes medicines, and drugs affecting heart rhythm. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Nadolol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies showed embryotoxicity in rabbits at high doses. Babies born to mothers taking nadolol at the time of delivery have shown slow heart rate (bradycardia), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and related symptoms — discuss this with your obstetric and prescribing team. (2)
Breastfeeding
Nadolol passes into human breast milk. Because of the potential for effects on a nursing infant, your healthcare provider will help you decide whether to continue breastfeeding or continue nadolol, based on your individual situation. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable. Max Single Dose: Not applicable. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children (2)
Renal_impairment
Nadolol is significantly cleared by the kidneys, so the dosing interval is adjusted by kidney function (creatinine clearance): above 50 mL/min/1.73m² — every 24 hours; 31-50 — every 24-36 hours; 10-30 — every 24-48 hours; below 10 — every 40-60 hours. Nadolol is removed by hemodialysis and may need an extra dose after a dialysis session — your care team will determine the exact schedule. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Nadolol is significantly cleared by the kidneys, so the dosing interval is adjusted by kidney function (creatinine clearance): above 50 mL/min/1.73m² — every 24 hours; 31-50 — every 24-36 hours; 10-30 — every 24-48 hours; below 10 — every 40-60 hours. Nadolol is removed by hemodialysis and may need an extra dose after a dialysis session — your care team will determine the exact schedule. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at room temperature, avoid excessive heat, protect from light, and keep the container tightly closed.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
US (FDA label)
Indication: Hypertension / Angina pectoris
Dose summary: Initial dose 40 mg orally once daily; increased in 40-80 mg increments as needed. Typical range 40-80 mg/day for angina (up to 160-240 mg/day if needed) and up to 240 mg/day for hypertension.
Renal context: Dosing interval adjusted by creatinine clearance: >50 mL/min/1.73m² — every 24 hours; 31-50 — every 24-36 hours; 10-30 — every 24-48 hours; <10 — every 40-60 hours. Hemodialyzable; may need supplemental dosing after dialysis. (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is nadolol used for?
Nadolol is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). It is also sometimes used off-label — at a prescriber's clinical judgment, outside its FDA-approved uses — for certain irregular heart rhythms or to help prevent migraines.
How long does it take for nadolol to work?
Nadolol may take several days to weeks to reach its full effect in lowering blood pressure or controlling angina.
Can I stop nadolol suddenly?
No, stopping nadolol suddenly can worsen heart problems. Always consult your doctor before discontinuing.
Is nadolol safe in pregnancy?
Nadolol should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take an extra dose to catch up.
Are there foods or drinks I should avoid?
Limit alcohol and avoid sudden changes in diet. Always discuss with your healthcare provider.
Can nadolol be used in children?
Nadolol may be used in children for certain conditions, but dosing must be determined by a pediatric specialist.
What happens if I take too much Nadolol?
Taking too much Nadolol can lead to severe bradycardia, hypotension, and even heart failure. Symptoms may include dizziness, fainting, and extreme tiredness. If an overdose is suspected, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or self-treat.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Nadolol?
Drinking alcohol while taking Nadolol, or any beta-blocker, is generally not recommended. Alcohol can further lower blood pressure and increase the risk of dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. It can also exacerbate the sedative effects of Nadolol. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding alcohol consumption with your medication.
Is Nadolol safe during pregnancy?
Nadolol's safety during pregnancy is not fully established, and it falls under a pregnancy category that requires careful consideration. It is essential to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your healthcare provider will weigh the potential benefits against the risks to both you and the baby.
What is the mechanism of action of nadolol?
Nadolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker. It inhibits both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors, resulting in decreased heart rate, myocardial contractility, and cardiac output. This leads to reduced blood pressure and decreased oxygen demand by the heart. (1)
What is the generic name of Nadolol?
The generic name is nadolol. It is sold under brand names including Apo-Nadolol, Corgard, Nadocard, Nadocor, Nadomax.
What class of drug is nadolol?
Nadolol is classed as: Non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker (beta blocker).
References
- Nadolol medicine recordMedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine record · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- CORGARD (nadolol) prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · dated 2013 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- NADOLOL TABLET [AMERICAN HEALTH PACKAGING] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Nadolol — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Nadolol — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA203455)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- nadolol — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 7226)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient nadolol names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.