Corgard (Nadolol)

High blood pressure and angina are long-term cardiovascular conditions that require consistent management to reduce the risk of serious cardiac events. Corgard is a branded prescription medicine containing nadolol 80mg, a non-selective beta-blocker used to treat hypertension and angina pectoris in adults. Nadolol is taken once daily and has a long duration of action, providing sustained cardiovascular effects throughout the day. Because nadolol is a non-selective beta blocker, it is absolutely contraindicated in patients with asthma or significant bronchospasm. It is also primarily excreted by the kidneys, which means kidney function must be considered when determining the dose. A prescription can only be issued following a clinical consultation with a registered prescriber.

Corgard is a branded prescription medicine manufactured for the UK market. Each tablet contains 80mg of nadolol as the active ingredient. Nadolol belongs to the beta adrenoceptor blocking agent class of medicines, commonly referred to as beta blockers. Unlike cardioselective beta blockers such as atenolol or bisoprolol, nadolol is a non-selective beta blocker, meaning it blocks both beta-1 receptors in the heart and beta-2 receptors in the airways and blood vessels. Nadolol has no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, meaning it does not partially stimulate the beta receptors it blocks.

Corgard is licensed in the United Kingdom for two indications: the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and the management of angina pectoris. It is available in a single strength of 80mg. The once-daily dosing schedule is supported by nadolol's long elimination half-life, which is considerably longer than most other beta blockers. Nadolol is not significantly metabolised by the liver and is excreted primarily unchanged by the kidneys. Kidney function is therefore an important consideration when determining dose and dosing intervals.

All clinical information on this page is drawn from the current UK Summary of Product Characteristics for Corgard (nadolol) 80mg tablets.

Important: Do not stop taking Corgard suddenly without speaking to your prescriber first. Abrupt withdrawal of a beta blocker can cause a rebound increase in heart rate and blood pressure and may trigger or worsen angina or cause serious cardiac events. Your prescriber will advise on how to reduce your dose gradually if treatment needs to be stopped.

Nadolol works by blocking both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenoceptors throughout the body. These receptors are normally stimulated by adrenaline and noradrenaline, which increase heart rate, cardiac contractility, and the calibre of blood vessels and airways.

Effect on Blood Pressure

By blocking beta-1 receptors in the heart, nadolol reduces heart rate and the force of cardiac contraction, lowering cardiac output. This reduces the pressure at which blood is pumped through the arteries, lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Nadolol provides sustained antihypertensive activity over 24 hours with once-daily dosing due to its long duration of action. Unlike cardioselective beta blockers, nadolol also blocks beta-2 receptors in the blood vessel walls, which contributes additional vasomotor effects.

Effect on Angina

In angina, blocking beta-1 receptors reduces the oxygen demand of the heart muscle by lowering heart rate and the force of each contraction. This means the heart needs less oxygen during physical activity or emotional stress, reducing the frequency and severity of angina episodes. Nadolol's once-daily dosing means its antianginal effect is maintained throughout the day without the need for multiple doses.

Non-Selective Blockade and Clinical Implications

Nadolol's non-selective beta blockade has important clinical consequences. Blocking beta-2 receptors in the airways causes bronchoconstriction, which is why nadolol is absolutely contraindicated in patients with asthma or reversible obstructive airways disease. Blocking beta-2 receptors in blood vessels also causes vasoconstriction, which can worsen peripheral circulatory conditions. Unlike cardioselective beta blockers such as atenolol or bisoprolol, nadolol is not suitable for patients with respiratory concerns of any significant degree.

Renal Excretion

Nadolol is not significantly metabolised in the liver. It is excreted primarily unchanged through the kidneys. This is clinically important because patients with kidney impairment may accumulate nadolol, leading to higher than expected blood levels and increased risk of bradycardia and other side effects. Dose reduction and extended dosing intervals are required in patients with kidney impairment, as specified in the SmPC. Your prescriber will assess your kidney function before prescribing.

Always take Corgard exactly as your prescriber instructs. The information below summarises key points from the current UK SmPC. Read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine before starting treatment.

• Take Corgard once daily, at the same time each day. Consistent timing supports sustained blood pressure and heart rate control.
• Corgard can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If you only remember the following day, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take two doses on the same day.
• Never stop taking Corgard suddenly without medical advice. Abrupt withdrawal can cause a significant worsening of your condition. Your prescriber will advise on a gradual dose reduction if treatment needs to be stopped.

Corgard is available in a single strength of 80mg through this service. The appropriate dose and dosing interval will be determined by your prescriber based on the condition being treated, your heart rate, blood pressure, and kidney function. Because nadolol is renally excreted, dosing intervals may need to be extended in patients with kidney impairment.

Corgard 80mg Tablets

For hypertension, the usual starting dose is 40mg to 80mg once daily. As only the 80mg tablet is available, dose adjustment below 80mg may require the tablet to be halved if your prescriber considers this appropriate, or an alternative treatment may be selected. For hypertension, the dose may be increased in 80mg increments at weekly intervals until adequate blood pressure control is achieved. For angina, the usual starting dose is also 40mg to 80mg once daily, with similar titration as needed. The usual maintenance range for both indications is 80mg to 240mg once daily. Doses above 240mg daily are not generally recommended. Your prescriber will determine the appropriate dose for your circumstances.

Patients with kidney impairment require dose adjustment. The dosing interval may need to be extended from 24 hours to 36 or 48 hours depending on the degree of impairment, as specified in the SmPC. Your prescriber will assess your kidney function before and during treatment.

Like all medicines, Corgard can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The information below is based on the current UK SmPC. Refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for the full list.

Common Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Bradycardia (a slow heart rate) - Nadolol reduces heart rate as part of its mechanism. If the heart rate falls excessively, contact your prescriber.
• Cold or numb hands and feet - Nadolol's non-selective beta-2 blockade reduces peripheral blood flow more than cardioselective beta blockers.
• Fatigue and tiredness.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when standing up quickly.
• Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, or abdominal discomfort.

Uncommon Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Sleep disturbance or vivid dreams.
• Low mood or depression.
• Dry eyes or visual disturbances.
• Skin rash or itching.
• Worsening of peripheral artery disease symptoms.

Serious Side Effects: Seek Urgent Medical Attention

Contact your prescriber or go to your nearest accident and emergency department promptly if you experience any of the following:

• A very slow or irregular heartbeat, or sudden severe breathlessness.
• Worsening breathlessness or wheezing - because nadolol is a non-selective beta blocker, any respiratory symptoms should be reported promptly to your prescriber.
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; or a severe skin reaction.
• Severe dizziness or fainting.
• Worsening of circulation problems in the legs or feet, such as severe pain on walking or changes in skin colour.

Report any suspected side effect to your prescriber or pharmacist or via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Corgard Tablets May Be Suitable If You:

• Are an adult with hypertension or stable angina pectoris and have been assessed as suitable for beta-blocker therapy.
• Have no history of asthma, significant bronchospasm, or reversible obstructive airways disease.
• Have adequate kidney function or have been assessed as requiring Corgard with appropriate dose adjustment for your level of kidney impairment.
• Are already prescribed Corgard or nadolol and require a repeat prescription through an online prescribing service.

Corgard Tablets Are Not Suitable If You:

• Have asthma or a history of bronchospasm - Nadolol is a non-selective beta-blocker and is absolutely contraindicated in patients with asthma or reversible obstructive airways disease.
• Have a second- or third-degree heart block (unless you have a functioning pacemaker).
• Have sick sinus syndrome or sinoatrial block.
• Have severe bradycardia.
• Have cardiogenic shock or uncontrolled heart failure.
• Have untreated phaeochromocytoma.
• Have severe peripheral artery disease or severely symptomatic Raynaud's phenomenon.
• Have metabolic acidosis.
• Have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to nadolol or any excipient listed in the SmPC.
• Are under 18 years of age (this service is for adults only).

Cautions

Kidney impairment requires careful consideration before prescribing Corgard, as nadolol is renally excreted and accumulates in patients with reduced kidney function. Dose adjustment and extended dosing intervals are required. Patients with diabetes should be aware that nadolol can mask some symptoms of hypoglycaemia, particularly palpitations and a rapid heart rate. Patients with Prinzmetal angina (vasospastic angina) should not use non-selective beta-blockers, as these may increase the frequency of vasospastic episodes. Patients with psoriasis should be aware that beta blockers may exacerbate this condition.

Important Drug Interactions

Corgard can interact with a number of commonly prescribed medicines. Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements. The following interactions are of particular clinical importance:

• Calcium channel blockers of the verapamil or diltiazem type: combining these with Corgard can cause a significant and potentially dangerous slowing of the heart rate and a marked reduction in blood pressure. This combination should generally be avoided unless under close specialist supervision.
• Other antihypertensive medicines: the blood pressure-lowering effect of Corgard may be enhanced when taken with other medicines that reduce blood pressure.
• Clonidine: if both Corgard and clonidine are to be stopped, nadolol should be withdrawn several days before clonidine to avoid a rebound rise in blood pressure.
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen: these can reduce the antihypertensive effect of Corgard.
• Insulin and oral antidiabetic medicines: nadolol may mask some warning signs of hypoglycaemia. Blood glucose monitoring is particularly important in diabetic patients.
• Anaesthetic agents: Corgard can interact with certain anaesthetics to increase the risk of bradycardia and low blood pressure. Inform your anaesthetist that you take nadolol before any surgical procedure.

This is not a complete list of interactions. Your prescriber will carry out a full clinical assessment, including a review of your current medicines, before any prescription is considered.

Corgard is a prescription-only medicine. The clinical consultation is the essential first step. A prescription will only be issued if a registered prescriber determines, based on their individual assessment of your circumstances, that Corgard is clinically appropriate for you.

During your online consultation with Pharmacy Planet, a registered prescriber will review your clinical information. This includes your blood pressure readings or angina history; heart rate; kidney function; current medicines; and relevant medical conditions, including any history of asthma, COPD, diabetes, or peripheral artery disease. Kidney function is particularly important given nadolol's renal excretion, and the prescriber will assess whether the standard 80mg once-daily dose is appropriate or whether dose adjustment is required.

Not all consultations will result in a prescription being issued. The prescriber may recommend a different dose or a different beta-blocker or suggest that a face-to-face appointment with your GP is more appropriate. This process is designed to ensure your safety.

If you are already being managed for hypertension or angina by your GP or a specialist, please keep them informed of all medicines you are taking, including any prescribed through online services.

• Store below 25°C.
• Store in the original packaging to protect from light and moisture.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Do not dispose of medicines via household waste or wastewater. Return unused or out-of-date tablets to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

Full storage instructions are provided in the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine.

The table below compares beta blocker tablets available at Pharmacy Planet. Beta blockers reduce heart rate and cardiac output to lower blood pressure. They differ in cardioselectivity, additional properties, and licensed indications.

Important: This comparison is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. A prescriber will decide which treatment is suitable for you following an online consultation.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy providing access to prescription medicines through a clinically led consultation process. Our registered prescribers and pharmacists are committed to patient safety, clinical accuracy, and responsible prescribing.

We follow GPhC standards, MHRA guidance, and ASA advertising regulations in all aspects of our service. Every prescription is reviewed and dispensed by qualified healthcare professionals. We provide clear, factual information to help patients understand their antihypertensive medication and make informed decisions about their health.

If you have questions about Corgard, nadolol, or cardiovascular therapy, our pharmacy team is available to help. We are committed to transparent, patient-centred care.

References

1. Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC). Corgard (Nadolol) 80mg Tablets — Summary of Product Characteristics. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc. Accessed August 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Hypertension in adults: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG136. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng136. Accessed August 2026.
3. Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (BNF). Nadolol. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://bnf.nice.org.uk. Accessed August 2026.
4. NHS. Beta blockers. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/beta-blockers. Accessed August 2026.
5. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Yellow Card — report a side effect. https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed August 2026.