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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Nicorandil

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Nicorandil

  • Nicorandil is used to treat angina (chest pain).
  • Do not transfer tablets from the blister packs into other containers because they will degrade very quickly.
  • The most common side effects are headache, flushing of the face, feeling sick, dizziness, weakness and muscle pain.

About nicorandil

Type of medicinePotassium channel activator
Used forAngina (chest pain)
Also calledIkorel®
Available asTablets

Angina occurs when the heart muscles do not receive enough oxygen. Nicorandil works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its work load.

Before taking nicorandil

Before taking nicorandil make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure).
  • If you have recently suffered from a heart attack.
  • If you have any other heart conditions.
  • If you suffer from lung problems.
  • If you suffer from mouth ulcers.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take nicorandil

  • Take these tablets exactly as your doctor has told you to. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.
  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • If you miss a dose of this medicine take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
  • Do not stop taking nicorandil without speaking to your doctor first because this can cause angina attacks.
  • Nicorandil is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
  • It is best not to drink alcohol while you are taking these tablets as nicorandil may cause you to feel dizzy particularly at the start of your treatment. Drinking alcohol will increase this dizziness.

Can nicorandil cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effectsWhat can I do if I experience this
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If this continues or becomes a problem speak to your doctor
Feeling or being sickThis may get better once your body has adjusted to the new medicine
DizzinessNicorandil may cause dizziness, you should not drive or operate machinery for the first few days after beginning treatment to see if you are affected
WeaknessIf this continues speak with your doctor
Flushing (redness of the face)If this is troublesome, speak to your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store nicorandil

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Do not transfer tablets from the blister packs into other containers because they will degrade very quickly.
  • Once you have taken a tablet from a blister pack, the pack should be used within 30 days because the tablets will slowly degrade.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Ikorel®, Sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2007, accessed December 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID: 1184DocRef: dils3231Last Reviewed: 4 Dec 2008Version: 23
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