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Also indexed as: Corgard
Nadolol is used to treat both angina pectoris (chest pain) and high blood pressure, and it is in a class of drugs known as beta-adrenergic blockers. Since nadolol is related to propranolol, it may have similar interactions with dietary supplements and herbs.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.
 May Be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. | Pleurisy root* |
 Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the medication in the body. | Calcium* Willow* |
| Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. | High-potassium foods* Potassium* |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Calcium
Calcium supplements, if taken at the same time as some beta-blocker drugs, may reduce blood levels of the drug.1 However, whether calcium affects nadolol in this manner is unknown. Until more information is available, people on nadolol should take calcium supplements an hour before or two hours after the drug.
Potassium
People taking nadolol may experience significant increases in blood levels of potassium,2 though it is unknown whether supplementation with potassium might enhance this effect. People taking beta-blockers should therefore avoid taking potassium supplements, or eating large quantities of high-potassium foods, such as fruit (e.g., bananas), unless directed to do so by their doctor.
Pleurisy root
As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.3
Willow (Salix alba)
The active compound in willow, salicin, is converted to salicylic acid in the body. Taking salicylates with other beta-adrenergic blocking drugs has resulted in decreased absorption of the drugs.4 Therefore, until more is known about the interaction between willow and nadolol, they should not be taken at the same time.
Potassium
People taking nadolol may experience significant increases in blood levels of potassium,5 though it is unknown whether supplementation with potassium might enhance this effect. People taking beta-blockers should therefore avoid taking potassium supplements, or eating large quantities of high-potassium foods, such as fruit (e.g., bananas), unless directed to do so by their doctor.
1. Burnham TH, ed. Cardiovascular Agents, Antiadrenergics/Sympatholytics, Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 2000, 467–79.
2. Wheeldon NM, McDevitt DG, Lipworth BJ. The effects of lower than conventional doses of oral nadolol on relative beta 1/beta 2-adrenoceptor blockade. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1994;38:103–8.
3. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.
4. Burnham TH, ed. Cardiovascular Agents, Antiadrenergics/Sympatholytics, Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 2000, 467–79.
5. Wheeldon NM, McDevitt DG, Lipworth BJ. The effects of lower than conventional doses of oral nadolol on relative beta 1/beta 2-adrenoceptor blockade. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1994;38:103–8.
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Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.
