Nicorandil is an anti-anginal drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved for treating unstable angina (heart-related chest pain).

Nicorandil is used to treat unstable angina, a condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Nicorandil can be administered only as an intravenous injection into a vein by your physician in a hospital setting. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. 

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Nicorandil are headache, lightheadedness, numbness, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and anaemia. Some serious side effects include a decrease in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate, and changes in liver functions.

This drug may cause gastrointestinal ulcers. Inform your doctor if you have a history of ulcers or if you experience symptoms such as abdominal pain or discomfort. There is no safety data on this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hence it is not recommended to administer Nicorandil. Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Nicorandil should not be taken by individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the medication or any of its components. Individuals with kidney or liver problems may require special monitoring while taking this drug. Adjustments to the dosage may be necessary based on your kidney and liver function. Patients with symptoms of dehydration should not take this drug. This medicine can affect electrolyte levels, particularly potassium. Individuals with imbalances in potassium or other electrolytes should be monitored closely while taking this medication.

Nicorandil can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when standing up. Use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position.

1. Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., [Revised on May 2014] [Accessed on 19th August 2023], https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Upload/PI_Sheet/174.pdf
2. Bertram G. Katzung, Vasodilators & the Treatment of Angina Pectoris, Lange’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 194-211.
3. Thomas Eschenhagen, Treatment of Ischemic Heart Disease, Goodman & Gliman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, 2018, 489-506.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.