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.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
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.
Interactions with Herbs
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.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
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.
References: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.