Drug
Nadolol
Pronounced
"nay-DOE-lole"
Uses
This medication is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used to prevent chest pain (angina). It may help to increase your ability to exercise and decrease how often you may get angina attacks.
Nadolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers. It works by blocking the action of certain natural substances in your body, such as epinephrine, on the heart and blood vessels. This effect lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
Warning
If you have chest pain (angina) or heart disease (such as coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure), do not stop using this drug without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this drug, you must gradually decrease your dose according to your doctor's instructions.
When gradually stopping this medication, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease work for the heart. Get medical help right away if you develop worsening chest pain, tightness/pressure in the chest, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, sweating, trouble breathing, or fast/irregular heartbeat.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to protect the heart after a heart attack. It may also be used for irregular heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter), or used to reduce the risk of migraine headaches.
How to Use This Medication
See also the Warning section.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
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.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).