NADOLOL
(nay-doe'lole)
Corgard
Classifications: autonomic nervous system agent; beta-adrenergic antagonist (sympatholytic, adrenergic blocking agent); antihypertensive
Prototype: Propranolol
Pregnancy Category: C
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20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg, 160 mg tablets
Nonselective beta-adrenergic blocking agent pharmacologically and chemically similar to propranolol. Inhibits response to
adrenergic stimuli by competitively blocking beta-adrenergic receptors within heart.
Reduces heart rate and cardiac output at rest and during exercise, and also decreases conduction velocity through AV node
and myocardial automaticity. Decreases both systolic and diastolic BP at rest and during exercise. Suppression of beta2-adrenergic receptors in bronchial and vascular smooth muscle can cause bronchospasm and a Raynaud's-like phenomenon.
Hypertension, either alone or in combination with a diuretic. Also long-term prophylactic management of angina pectoris.
Bronchial asthma, severe COPD, inadequate myocardial function, sinus bradycardia, greater than first-degree conduction block,
overt cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock. Safety during pregnancy (category C), lactation, and in children <18 y is not established.
CHF; diabetes mellitus; hyperthyroidism; renal impairment.
Hypertension, Angina
Adult: PO 40 mg once/d, may increase up to 240–320 mg/d in 1–2 divided doses
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Note: Dose is usually titrated up in 40–80 mg increments until optimum dose is achieved.
Oral
- Do not discontinue abruptly; reduce dosage over a 1–2-wk period. Abrupt withdrawal can precipitate MI or thyroid storm
in susceptible patients.
- Store at 15°–30° C (59°–86° F); protect drug from light.
Body as a Whole: Hypersensitivity (rash, pruritus, laryngospasm, respiratory disturbances). CV:
Bradycardia, peripheral vascular insufficiency (Raynaud's type), palpitation, postural hypotension, conduction or rhythm disturbances, CHF. GI: Dry mouth. CNS:
Dizziness, fatigue, sedation, headache, paresthesias, behavioral changes. Special Senses: Blurred vision, dry eyes. Skin: Dry skin. Urogenital: Impotence.
Drug:
nsaids may decrease hypotensive effects; may mask symptoms of a hypoglycemic reaction to insulin,
sulfonylureas; prazosin,
terazosin may increase severe hypotensive response to first dose.
Absorption: 30–40% of PO dose absorbed. Peak: 2–4 h. Duration: 17–24 h. Distribution: Widely distributed; crosses placenta; distributed in breast milk. Metabolism: No hepatic metabolism. Elimination: 70% excreted in urine; also excreted in feces. Half-Life: 10–24 h.
Assessment & Drug Effects
- Assess heart rate and BP before administration of each dose. Withhold drug and notify physician if apical pulse drops below
60 bpm or systolic BP below 90 mm Hg.
- Monitor weight. Advise patient to report weight gain of 1–1.5 kg (2–3 lb) in a day and any other possible signs
of CHF (e.g., cough, fatigue, dyspnea, rapid pulse, edema).
- Evaluate effectiveness for patients with angina by reduction in frequency of anginal attacks and improved exercise tolerance.
Improvement should coincide with steady state serum concentration reached within 6–9 d. Keep physician informed of drug
effect.
- Monitor patients with diabetes mellitus closely. Beta-adrenergic blockade produced by nadolol may prevent important clinical
manifestations of hypoglycemia (e.g., tachycardia, BP changes).
- Monitor I&O ratio and creatinine clearance in patients with impaired kidney function or with cardiac problems. Dosage intervals
will be lengthened with decreases in creatinine clearance.
Patient & Family Education
- Check pulse before taking each dose. Do not take your medication if pulse rate drops below 60 (or other parameter set by physician)
or becomes irregular. Consult your physician right away.
- Do not stop taking your medication or alter dosage without consulting your physician.
- Do not drive or engage in potentially hazardous activities until response to drug is known.
- Do not breast feed while taking this drug without consulting physician.
1%)
Canadian drug name; 
Prototype drug