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Non-selective β-blocker

Nadolol

Brand names: Corgard

Nadolol is a long-acting, non-selective beta-adrenoceptor blocker used in hypertension, angina and certain arrhythmias, and in the prevention of variceal bleeding in portal hypertension.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It competitively blocks beta-1 and beta-2 adrenoceptors, reducing heart rate, myocardial contractility and conduction velocity, and lowering blood pressure; it is hydrophilic and largely excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Prescribing in practice

  • As a non-selective beta-blocker it should be avoided in asthma and used with caution in chronic obstructive airways disease because of the risk of bronchospasm, and must not be stopped abruptly in ischaemic heart disease.
  • Its renal elimination means accumulation can occur in renal impairment, where dosing intervals may need adjustment.
  • It is contraindicated in marked bradycardia, high-grade heart block, uncontrolled heart failure and severe peripheral arterial disease; consult the SPC.

Monitoring

Monitor heart rate and blood pressure, and review renal function in patients with impaired kidneys.

Counselling the patient

  • Advise the patient never to stop the medicine suddenly because angina or blood pressure can worsen.
  • Warn those with asthma or wheeze to seek advice, and explain it may mask warning signs of low blood sugar in diabetes.

Evidence & guidelines

Nadolol is an established non-selective beta-blocker, also used for variceal bleeding prophylaxis; refer to current prescribing references.

Reference: NICE NG136; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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