Nicorandil
Cardiac Therapy · Potassium channel activator
Indications
Prophylaxis and treatment of angina.
Dosage
Adults: Initially 10 mg twice daily (if susceptible to headache 5 mg twice daily); usual dose 10-20 mg twice daily; up to 30 mg twice daily may be used. Children: Not recommended.
Adverse Effects
Headache (especially on initiation, usually transitory); cutaneous vasodilation with flushing; nausea, vomiting, dizziness, GI upset, tachycardia, weakness also reported; rarely oral ulceration, myalgia and rash; at high dosage, reduction in blood pressure and/or increase in heart rate; angioedema, hepatic dysfunction and anal ulceration also reported.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Cardiogenic shock, left ventricular failure with low fitting pressures, hypotension, hypovolaemia, pulmonary oedema. Precautions: Hypovolaemia; low systolic blood pressure; acute pulmonary oedema; acute myocardial infarction with acute left ventricular failure and low filling pressures. G6PD deficiency, risk of GI and eye ulceration.
Interactions
Hypotensive agents, TCADs, PDE5 inhibitors, dapoxetine, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, drugs that increase K+ levels, alcohol, riociguat.
Advice to Patient
Swallow whole tablet with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew tablets. Contact prescriber if there is allergic reaction (swelling on lips/face/tongue/throat), difficulty in breathing, rash, hives, itching, dizziness, light-headedness, unusual tiredness or swelling on ankles/legs. Avoid alcohol during therapy.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Well absorbed from GI tract. Metabolism: Hepatic via denitration. Bioavailability: Absolute: About 75%. Half-life elimination: 1 hr. Time to peak, plasma: Oral: 30-60 mins. Excretion: Urine.
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.