Corgard

The active ingredient in Corgard is nadolol. Nadolol (Corgard) is a nonselective beta-blocker. This sort of drug lowers your heart rate and relaxes blood arteries. This reduces the pressure on your blood vessels and relieves chest pain.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Corgard. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Corgard:

• Corgard is typically taken once a day. Follow your doctor's dosing recommendations carefully.
• Do not skip doses or discontinue using Corgard abruptly. Stopping immediately may worsen your illness. Follow your doctor's recommendations for tapering your dosage.
• Your blood pressure will need to be tested regularly.
• This medication can produce odd findings on certain medical tests. Inform any doctor who treats you that you use Corgard.
• If you need surgery, notify the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Corgard.
• If you are being treated for high blood pressure, continue taking this medication even if you feel better. High blood pressure frequently produces no symptoms. You may need to take blood pressure medications for the rest of your life.
• Corgard is merely one of a comprehensive hypertension treatment plan that may also include diet, exercise, and weight management. If you are being treated for hypertension, you should strictly adhere to your diet, medication, and exercise regimen.

Some mild and common side effects of Corgard seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Slow heartbeat or slow heart rate (bradycardia).
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Constipation.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Lower blood pressure (hypotension).
• Dizziness.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Lightheadedness.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Corgard. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Heart failure symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, extreme fatigue, chest pain, and swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet.
• Bronchospasm symptoms include chest tightness, trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing, disorientation, and excessive weariness.
• Allergic reaction to the medication, such as hives, skin rash, and swelling.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Corgard. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Corgard, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Asthma.
• A major heart condition, such as "AV block", heart block (2nd or 3rd degree), or severe heart failure.
• Cardiogenic shock.
• If your heart fails to pump blood effectively.
• Coronary artery disease (clogged arteries).
• Congestive heart failure.
• A thyroid condition (hyperthyroidism).
• Kidney disease.
• Diabetes (Corgard may make it difficult to detect low blood sugar).
• A history of allergies.
• It is not advised to drink alcohol while on beta-adrenergic blocking agents.

• Asthma.
• Certain serious heart disorders, such as heart failure with uncontrollable symptoms.

Corgard normally starts to drop blood pressure or heart rate within a few hours of the first dose, but it may take 1 to 2 weeks of constant use to see complete results. Some individuals with angina may experience relief in their chest pain within a few days, but doctors frequently recheck blood pressure control after a couple of weeks.

When Corgard is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Digoxin.
• Epinephrine.
• Clonidine.
• Verapamil.

High blood pressure: Most people begin with 40 mg of Nadolol tablets taken orally once daily. If your blood pressure remains high, your healthcare professional will gradually increase your dose. The normal Nadolol dose varies from 40 to 80 mg once daily. The maximum daily dose is 320 mg.

Chest pain: Most people begin with 40 mg of Nadolol taken orally once daily. Your doctor will adjust your dosage every few days if necessary based on your symptoms. The normal Nadolol dose is 40 mg to 80 mg once daily. The highest dosage is 240 mg once daily.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Corgard (nadolol) is manufactured by King Pharmaceuticals, which later became part of Pfizer.

There are several generic versions available of Corgard.

You should not abruptly discontinue Corgard (nadolol), since this can cause your blood pressure to skyrocket or induce chest pain, irregular pulse, or even a heart attack in persons with heart disease.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Nadolol can enter breast milk and endanger a nursing infant. Do not breast-feed when taking nadolol.