SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, and cough may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This drug may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following unlikely but serious side effects occur: bluish color of the fingers/toes/nails, hair loss (reversible), mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, confusion, memory problems), numbness/tingling, decreased sexual ability, swelling of the ankles/feet, severe tiredness, vision changes, wheezing, unexplained/sudden weight gain.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these unlikely but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, jaw/left arm pain, slow/irregular/fast heartbeat, severe dizziness/fainting.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking nadolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other beta blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol); or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: very slow heartbeat (e.g., sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), a certain serious heart condition (cardiogenic shock), uncontrolled severe heart failure, asthma.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis), breathing problems (e.g., COPD, emphysema), blood circulation problems (e.g., Raynaud's disease), low blood flow to the heart/brain (coronary artery disease, stroke, transient ischemic attack), diabetes, heart problems (e.g., heart failure, heart attack, valve problems), kidney disease, mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression), muscle problems (e.g., myasthenia gravis), certain skin conditions (atopy, psoriasis), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), certain types of tumor (pheochromocytoma).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution while engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
This drug may infrequently make your blood sugar level rise, causing or worsening diabetes. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst or urination.
If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugar regularly. This medication may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat, nervousness and shakiness you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar such as hunger, dizziness and sweating are unaffected by this drug.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for side effects such as dizziness while using this drug.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. If used near the time of delivery, the newborn may have problems such as slow heart rate or low blood sugar. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice a slow heart rate or signs of low blood sugar (e.g., shakiness, sweating) in your newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Nadolol passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.