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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.
  • Once you have taken a tablet from a blister pack, the pack should be used within 30 days because they will slowly degrade.
  • The most common side effects are headache, flushing of the face, feeling sick, dizziness, weakness and muscle pain.

About nicorandil

Type of medicine Potassium channel activator
Used for Angina (chest pain)
Also called Ikorel
Available as Tablets

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.

How to take nicorandil

  • 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. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate. If in doubt speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.

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-effects What can I do if I experience this
Headache See your pharmacist who may be able to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If this continues or becomes a problem speak to your doctor.
Flushing (redness of the face) Unfortunately not much can be done.
Feeling or being sick This may get better once your body has adjusted to the new medicine.
Dizziness Nicorandil may cause dizziness, you should not drive or operate machinery for the first few days after beginning treatment to see if you are affected.
Weakness If this continues speak with your doctor.
Muscle pain Your pharmacist may be able to recommend a pain-killer. If this continues speak with your doctor.

How to store nicorandil

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • 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. Always take the container with you, if possible, 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.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1184		 DocRef:
dils3231		 Last Updated:
2 Jan 2007		 Date of Next Review:
1 Jan 2009		 Version:
22

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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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