Nadolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Nadolol is used to treat angina (chest pain) or hypertension (high blood pressure).

Nadolol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use nadolol if you have asthma, a serious heart condition, severe heart failure, or if your heart cannot pump blood properly.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use nadolol in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Nadolol is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Do not skip doses or stop using nadolol suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using nadolol.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using nadolol.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

Nadolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Usual Adult Dose for Angina Pectoris:

Initial dose: 40 mg orally once a day; may be increased by 40 to 80 mg every 3 to 7 days until optimum response is obtained or pronounced heart rate reduction occurs
Maintenance dose: 40 to 80 mg orally once a day; up to 240 mg once a day may be required
Maximum dose: 240 mg/day

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 40 mg orally once a day; may be increased in 40 to 80 mg increments until optimum blood pressure reduction is achieved
Maintenance dose: 40 to 80 mg orally once a day; up to 320 mg once a day may be required

You should not use nadolol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• asthma;

• a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree) or severe heart failure; or

• if your heart cannot pump blood properly.

To make sure nadolol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);

• congestive heart failure;

• a thyroid disorder;

• kidney disease;

• diabetes (taking nadolol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar); or

• a history of allergies.

It is not known whether nadolol will harm an unborn baby. Nadolol may cause heart or lung problems in a newborn if the mother takes the medicine during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using nadolol.

Nadolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking nadolol.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is less than 8 hours away. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include slow heart rate, extreme dizziness, or fainting.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

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

nadolol may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of nadolol.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Nadolol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• slow heartbeats;

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain; or

• bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing).

Common side effects of nadolol may include:

• numbness or cold feeling in your hands or feet;

• dizziness;

• feeling tired;

• upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;

• vision problems; or

• mood changes, confusion, memory problems.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• digoxin, digitalis;

• insulin or oral diabetes medicine; or

• reserpine, or other blood pressure medications.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with nadolol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to nadolol. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate). Ask your pharmacist or doctor to teach you how to take your pulse. If your pulse is faster or slower than it should be, call your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.