Nicorandil
Introduction To Nicorandil
Nicorandil is a medicine used to prevent and treat heart-related chest pain (angina). It is usually prescribed when other heart medicines are not suitable or have not worked. It reduces the risk of an angina attack by widening blood vessels and improving blood flow to the heart.
Nicorandil is administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self administered. Your doctor will decide the dose and how often you should take them. Your doctor is likely to prescribe you oral medicines after the treatment with this medicine. You can improve the health of your heart by making some lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, cutting down on alcohol, eating well, taking exercising regularly and managing stress.
The most common side effect of this medicine is headache, especially during the first few days of treatment. You can reduce this by drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding alcohol, but it usually goes after a week. Other common side effects include ulcer, feeling dizzy or weak, nausea and vomiting, palpitation, and flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk). Talk to your doctor if these bother you or do not go away.
Nicorandil is not suitable for some people. Tell your doctor if you have low blood pressure, a problem with fluid in your lungs or kidney problems. Also let your healthcare team know all other medications you are using as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine. You should not take any medicines for erectile dysfunction with this medicine. This medicine is not usually recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of Nicorandil. Your doctor may ask you to avoid salt substitutes.
Uses of Nicorandil
- Treatment of Angina (heart-related chest pain)
Benefits of Nicorandil
Treatment of Angina (heart-related chest pain)
Nicorandil helps in prevention as well as treatment of angina. Angina is chest
pain that is usually caused by the narrowing of the blood vessels which supply
your heart. This means your heart does not get enough oxygen. Nicorandil
relaxes and widens the blood vessels so more blood (and oxygen) gets to your
heart. This reduces the pain and discomfort that angina causes thereby
improving your ability to exercise and go about your daily life more easily.
This medicine needs to be taken regularly to be effective so keep taking it
even if you are not having any angina symptoms.
Side effects of Nicorandil
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Nikoran
- Headache
- Ulcer
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Palpitations
- Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk)
How to use Nicorandil
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Nicorandil works
Nicorandil is a vasodilator. It works by reducing the workload of the heart. As a result, heart muscle does not need as much blood and oxygen supply. This reduces the frequency and severity of angina attacks.
Quick tips
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You must continue to take it as advised, usually for a long time.
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Nicorandil may cause headaches. Drink plenty of water and take a suitable painkiller. Inform your doctor if it does not go away.
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Nicorandil may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything which requires concentration until you know how it affects you.
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Do not consume alcohol while taking Nicorandil as that may cause increased dizziness.
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Do not take medications like sildenafil or tadalafil (prescribed for erectile dysfunction) while on treatment with Nicorandil as it may cause low blood pressure.
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Inform your doctor if you notice any bleeding from the anal passage, blood in vomit or black stools.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Nicorandil if I’m pregnant?
Nicorandil may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Nicorandil if I’m breastfeeding?
Information regarding the use of Nicorandil during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Nicorandil safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Nicorandil.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Nicorandil?
Nicorandil may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Nicorandil if I have/had kidney diseases?
Nicorandil is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Nicorandil may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Nicorandil if I have/had liver diseases?
Nicorandil is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Nicorandil may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Nicorandil and what is it used for?
Nicorandil belongs to a class of medicines known as potassium channel openers. It helps in the removal of potassium from the walls of arteries resulting in widening of the arteries. This decreases the workload of the heart to pump the blood. It also improves the blood and oxygen supply to your heart muscle. It is prescribed to patients of stable angina (heart-related chest pain) who cannot take other medicines (beta blockers, calcium channel antagonist) meant for angina.
Q. How long does it take Nicorandil to start working?
Nicorandil starts working after about an hour of taking the medicine, but full benefits may be seen only after 4 to 5 days.
Q. What if somebody accidentally takes excess of Nicorandil?
He or she should be taken to the hospital immediately. The person may experience signs of low blood pressure, which include feeling weak or dizzy. He or she may also experience irregular or fast heart beat.
Q. Can I take Nicorandil if I am taking aspirin?
You should avoid taking Nicorandil and aspirin together. Taking these two medicines together increases the risk of ulcer or bleeding in the mouth, stomach or intestine. Immediately consult your doctor, If you notice blood in your stool or vomit while using Nicorandil.
Q. Who should not use Nicorandil?
People who are allergic to Nicorandil or any of its ingredients should avoid using this medicine. Also, patients who have heart problems such as cardiogenic shock or left ventricular failure with low filling pressure or cardiac decompensation or have a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) should not use Nicorandil. Additionally, patients taking medicines to treat erectile dysfunction (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil) or medicines to treat pulmonary hypertension (e.g., riociguat) should not use the medication. Your blood pressure may be affected if these medicines are taken with Nicorandil or if you have low blood volume.
Q. Can Nicorandil affect my sex life?
No, Nicorandil does not affect your sex life. However, it is not recommended to take medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction (e.g., sildenafil or tadalafil) or premature ejaculation (e.g., vardenafil or dapoxetine) while taking Nicorandil. Taking them together can lead to a serious drop in your blood pressure.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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