The Basics
What is Nadolol?
Used alone or in combination to treat high blood pressure and prevent chest pain (angina).
Brand names for Nadolol
Corgard
How Nadolol is classified
Antihypertensive Agents, Adrenergic Beta-Antagonists, Antiarrhythmics
Nadolol During Pregnancy
Nadolol pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Nadolol while pregnant
In animal reproduction studies with nadolol, evidence of embryo- and fetotoxicity was found in rabbits, but not in rats or hamsters, at doses 5 to 10 times greater (on a mg/kg basis) than the maximum indicated human dose. No teratogenic potential was observed in any of these species. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Nadolol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Neonates whose mothers are receiving nadolol at parturition have exhibited bradycardia, hypoglycemia, and associated symptoms.
Taking Nadolol While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Nadolol?
Because of its relatively extensive excretion into breastmilk and its renal excretion, other beta-adrenergic blocking drugs are preferred to nadolol, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Because of its relatively extensive excretion into breastmilk and its renal excretion, other beta-adrenergic blocking drugs are preferred to nadolol, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Nadolol on milk supply
Relevant published information on the effects of beta-blockade or nadolol during normal lactation was not found as of the revision date. A study in 6 patients with hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea found no changes in serum prolactin levels following beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol.[7]
Possible alternatives to Nadolol
Propranolol, Labetalol, Metoprolol.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Riant P, Urien S, Albengres E et al. High plasma protein binding as a parameter in the selection of betablockers for lactating women. Biochem Pharmacol. 1986;35:4579-81. PMID: 2878668
2. Atkinson HC, Begg EJ, Darlow BA. Drugs in human milk. Clinical pharmacokinetic considerations. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1988;14:217-40. PMID: 3292101
3. Fox RE, Marx C, Stark AR. Neonatal effects of maternal nadolol therapy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1985;152:1045-6. PMID: 4025452
4. Devlin RG, Fleiss PM. Nadolol excretion in human milk. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1981;29:240. Abstract. DOI: doi:10.1038/clpt.1981.37
5. Devlin RG, Duchin KL, Fleiss PM. Nadolol in human serum and breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1981;12:393-6. PMID: 6117304
6. Ho TK, Moretti ME, Schaeffer JK et al. Maternal beta-blocker usage and breast feeding in the neonate. Pediatr Res. 1999;45:67A. Abstract 385.
7. Board JA, Fierro RJ, Wasserman AJ et al. Effects of alpha- and beta-adrenergic blocking agents on serum prolactin levels in women with hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1977;127:285-7. PMID: 556882
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
