Nadolol (Corgard) Uses

Nadolol is used to treat high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease (heart disease) and other chronic health conditions. Nadolol is also used to prevent angina (chest pain). However, it should not be used to reduce chest pain during an acute angina attack.

There may be other uses of nadolol, such as to treat migraine headaches—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Nadolol (Corgard) Mechanism of Action

Nadolol relaxes or widens the blood vessels and slows heart rate. This helps to lower blood pressure and reduces the workload of the heart.

Nadolol (Corgard) Doses

Nadolol comes in the following dosage forms: 20 mg oral tablet, 40 mg oral tablet, and 80 mg oral tablets. The dose of nadolol is individualized for each patient. People with renal impairment (kidney disease) may require dosage adjustments.

For high blood pressure:

The usual starting dose of nadolol for the treatment of hypertension is 40 mg once per day. Nadolol can be prescribed with or without a diuretic (water pill) in hypertensive patients. The dose can be gradually increased by 40 mg or 80 mg until blood pressure is in the optimum range. The typical maintenance dose of nadolol is 40 mg or 80 mg once daily; however, some patients need higher doses of 240 mg or 320 mg per day.

For chest pain:

The usual starting dose of nadolol for the prevention of chest pain is 40 mg once per day. The dose can be gradually increased by 40 mg to 80 mg every 3-7 days until the optimum response is achieved or there is dose-limiting slowing of the heart rate. The typical maintenance dose of nadolol is 40 mg or 80 mg once daily; however, some patients need higher doses of 160 mg or 240 mg per day. If treatment is to be stopped, the dose should be reduced gradually over 1-2 weeks.