Nadolol
Nadolol is a non-selective beta-blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and certain heart rhythm disorders. It works by blocking the effects of adrenaline on beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels, helping to reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and the heart's workload. This medication is typically taken once daily due to its long duration of action.
Nadolol is a beta-blocker used to manage high blood pressure, angina, and heart rhythm problems by reducing heart rate and blood pressure.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C07AA12
- RxNorm
- 7226
- Generic
- Nadolol
- Class
- atc-c07
- Brands
- Corgard
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 40-80mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not established
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- not applicable
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 20-40mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and growth assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use close to delivery, discontinue 24-48 hours before delivery if possible
fetal monitoring, monitor for neonatal bradycardia and hypoglycemia
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
avoid breastfeeding during nadolol treatment due to excretion in breast milk
monitor infant for signs of beta-blockade including bradycardia and hypotension
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart with reduced dose
start at lower end of dosing range, use with caution due to increased sensitivity
monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and renal function closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrennot recommended
not typically recommended for use in children and adolescents due to limited safety and efficacy data
monitor growth, development, blood pressure, and heart rate
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose
reduce dose in patients with renal impairment, extend dosing interval
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly, watch for drug accumulation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severesignificant dose reduction required
use with extreme caution, significant dose reduction and extended dosing interval required
frequent monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeuse with caution
use with caution in hepatic impairment, no specific dose adjustment recommended but monitor closely
monitor liver function and blood pressure response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval information for Nadolol
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Nadolol is primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), chronic stable angina (chest pain), and some types of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias). It may also be used to help prevent migraines in some patients.
Nadolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks both beta-1 receptors in the heart and beta-2 receptors in blood vessels and lungs. By preventing adrenaline from binding to these receptors, it reduces heart rate, decreases the force of heart contractions, and lowers blood pressure.
Nadolol should not be stopped suddenly as this can cause worsening chest pain or heart attack. It may mask symptoms of low blood sugar and should be used cautiously in patients with asthma or diabetes. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosing and monitoring.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy