NICORANDIL

Nicorandil widens both the arteries and the veins, which reduces the work the heart has to do and improves blood flow through the coronary arteries. It is used to prevent angina rather than to stop an attack that has already started.

What Nicorandil Is Used For

• Preventing angina chest pain
• Angina that continues despite other medicines
• Patients who cannot tolerate beta blockers or calcium channel blockers

Common Side Effects

• Headache, common in the first days and usually settling
• Flushing and dizziness
• Nausea
• Mouth, anal or skin ulcers with longer use

Precautions

Report any painful ulcer in the mouth, on the skin or around the back passage, as these are a known effect and usually mean the medicine needs to be stopped under supervision. Nicorandil must never be combined with sildenafil or similar erectile dysfunction medicines, as blood pressure can drop dangerously. Keep your fast acting angina spray with you, since this is a preventive tablet.

This page is general information only. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist, and it does not include dosage. Always follow the directions given to you and read the leaflet inside the pack.