Nicorandil

Filed under: Anti Angina Medication

Displayed: Nicorandil Ikorel 10mg

Nicorandil is a drug used to treat angina. Nicorandil is a member of a group of drugs known as potassium channel openers, and is used to treat angina pectoris. Angina comes from the narrowing of coronary blood vessels which in turn reduces the amount of oxygen to the heart. Nicorandil works by widening these blood vessels, relaxing the smooth muscle of the blood vessels, especially those of the venous system (blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart).

Nicorandil works differently to other anti-angina drugs, it wides both veins and arteries. This results in more oxygen in the blood reaching the heart. This in turn reduces the amount of work the heart has to do, mainly because the drug has opened veins and arteries, reducing the hearts work load. Nicorandil is as effective as other anti-angina drugs. It is very effective in what it does and it may produce additional symptomatic benefit in combination with other antianginal drugs.

Detailed Information

Quick Guide

• Anti-angina drug overdose danger MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be LOW.
• Prescription only drug YES.
• Available as generic NO.
• Alcohol Avoidance YES.
• Alcohol may reduce the blood pressure even further.

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Flushing, Headaches, Nausea, Vomiting
Rare: Dizziness, Jaundice, mouth ulcers, Palpitations, Weakness

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this medication It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

There would be no known problems expected with prolonged use of nicorandil.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

It may be advisable to avoid these activities until you are aware of how nicorandil effects you. It is possible to suffer dizziness due to a lowering of blood pressure. Alcohol should also be avoided until you become aware of how you feel taking this drug. It is possible that alcohol will reduce the blood pressure even further, causing maybe among other things dizziness.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Manufacturer advises use of nicorandil only if potential benefit outweighs the risk. You will need to discuss both these issues with your doctor as nicorandil has not been established as safe whether you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Tell Your Doctor

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

Over 60′s & Children

There would be no special problems as far as the over sixties are concerned. Nicorandil would not be recommended for infants or children.

Overdose

Large overdoses may cause dizziness and reduce blood pressure dangerously. However, an extra unintentional dose would be unlikely to cause any reason for concern.

Other Medication Reactions

Tricyclics antidepressants possibly enhance hypotensive effect of nicorandil which could lead to dizziness. Nicorandil may increase the effects of antihypertensive drugs. Sildenafil greatly increases the effects of nicorandil in respect of blood pressure.

Nicorandil will enhance hypotensive (abnormally low blood pressure) effect when monomine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs are given with nicorandil). There is a possibility of enhanced hypotensive effect when nicorandil is given with hydralazine, minoxidil or sodium nitroprusside.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

It is important that you do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. as it can lead to a worsening of the condition

Effect Of Medication

The effects of this nicorandil can be felt within 1 hour. Its effects can last up to 24 hours.

Storage and Safety

Keep medicine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach of children. Never take medication that has past the expiry date shown on the box or container. Return all un-used or old medicines to your pharmacist. Do not discard old or unwanted medication into your trash, sink or toilet.

If this medication has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or they feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.