Nadolol Side Effects

Decreased heart rate, fatigue, and dizziness are among the most common side effects reported with nadolol. Problems that have been reported in less than 1 percent of people (and may or may not be related to the medication itself) include diarrhea, nausea, and hair loss. Some side effects of this medicine are potentially serious and require medical attention, including fainting, rapid weight gain, and depression.

An Introduction to Nadolol Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with nadolol (Corgard®). However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with nadolol. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of nadolol side effects with you.)
 

Serious Side Effects Seen With Nadolol

There are a number of possible nadolol side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Lightheadedness or fainting, which can be a sign of dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • A very slow heart rate (bradycardia) or an irregular heart rhythm
  • Chest pain
  • Worsening of asthma
  • Depression
  • Signs of heart failure, such as a rapid weight gain, swelling of the hands and feet, and shortness of breath
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, including unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
     

Common Side Effects

Nadolol is an older medication.
 As is common with older medications, the prescribing information for nadolol provides only vague information about possible side effects.
 
Based on this limited information, the most common nadolol side effects include:
 
  • Decreased heart rate
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Cold, numb, and pale fingers and toes.
     
(Nadolol Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation