Nadolol non-selectively blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors mainly in the heart, inhibiting the effects of the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine and decreasing heart rate and blood pressure. It also blocks beta-2 adrenergic receptors located in bronchiole smooth muscle, causing vasoconstriction. By binding beta-2 receptors in the juxtaglomerular apparatus, nadolol inhibits the production of renin, thereby inhibiting angiotensin II and aldosterone production. Nadolol therefore inhibits the vasoconstriction and water retention due to angiotensin II and aldosterone, respectively.

The drug impairs AV node conduction and decreases sinus rate.

Nadolol may also increase plasma triglycerides and decrease HDL-cholesterol levels.

Indications

Nadolol is indicated for treatment of moderate hypertension and chest pain. In patients with severe hypertension, nadolol can also treat reflex tachycardia due to treatment with vasodilators.

Contraindications

Patients whose heart rate is largely mediated by the sympathetic nervous system (e.g. patients with congestive heart failure or myocardial infarct) should avoid nadolol as it inhibits sympathetic function. Nadolol is also contraindicated in patients with bradycardia (slow heart rate) because of its vasodilatory effects and tendency to cause bradycardia.

Because of its beta-2 activity, nadolol causes pulmonary vasoconstriction and should be avoided in asthma patients in preference of a beta-1 blocker.

As nadolol, like other beta-2 blockers, inhibits the release of insulin in response to hypoglycemia, it slows patients' recovery from acute hypoglycemic episodes and should be avoided in some patients with diabetes mellitus. In patients with insulin-dependent diabetes, a selective beta-1 blocker is preferred over non-selective blockers.

Side effects

Bradycardia
Fatigue
Bronchospasms

Read more at Wikipedia.org

• [List your site here Free!]



	AAN releases recommendations for managing essential tremor The Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has released evidence-based recommendations for the initiation of pharmacologic ... From American Family Physician, 11/1/05 by Amber Huntzinger

	Hypertensive drug classes: brand names only Alpha blockers or alpha-adrenergic blockers Cardura, Minipress, Hytrin, Doxaloc, Apa-Doxazosin, Gen-Doxazosin, Med-Doxazosin ACE (angiotensin-Converting ... From Healthfacts, 4/1/05

	Management of hypertension in older persons Antihypertensive therapy has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in older patients with elevated systolic or diastolic blood pressures. This ... From American Family Physician, 2/1/05 by Lori M. Dickerson

	[beta]-Blockers no better than placebo in the treatment of vasovagal syncope - Patient-Oriented Evidence that Matters Flevari P. Livanis EG, Theodorakis GN, Zarvalis E. Mesiskli T, Kremastinos DT. Vasovagal syncope: a prospective, randomized, crossover evaluation of ... From Journal of Family Practice, 11/1/02 by John Phillips

	Medications in the Breast-Feeding Mother - which to use Prescribing medications for a breast-feeding mother requires weighing the benefits of medication use for the mother against the risk of not breast-feeding ... From American Family Physician, 7/1/01 by Jeanne P. Spencer

	Beta blockers Beta blockers are medicines that affect the body's response to certain nerve impulses. This, in turn, decreases the force and rate of the heart's contractions, ... From Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 4/6/01 by Nancy Ross-Flanigan

	Antihypertensive drugs Antihypertensive drugs are medicines that help lower blood pressure. From Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 4/6/01 by Nancy Ross-Flanigan

	Sexual dysfunction Definition Sexual dysfunction is broadly defined as the inability to fully enjoy sexual intercourse. Specifically, sexual dysfunctions are disorders ... From Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, by MSc. Crystal Heather Kaczkowski

Home

Contact

Resources

Exchange Links

ebay