Nicorandil is used to treat angina (chest pain which occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood supply) in individuals who do not tolerate or cannot take other preferred medicines for chest pain.
Take Nicorandil exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your response and tolerance to the medication.
Nicorandil must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- lung problem e.g. buildup of fluid in the lungs
- severely low blood pressure
- hypovolaemia (low volume of circulating fluids in the body)
- heart problem e.g. cardiogenic shock (a serious sudden condition when the heart cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the brain and vital organs of the body), heart failure that occurs particularly in the left chamber of the heart
as Nicorandil may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Nicorandil with medicines used to treat impotence and high blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to the lungs. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- low blood pressure
- diverticular disease (a condition that occurs when a small pouch develops in the lining of the large intestine)
- high potassium levels in the blood
- G6PD (an inherited blood disorder where the body lacks a certain enzyme necessary for the proper functioning of red blood cells)
- glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Nicorandil to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment with this medicine.
Nicorandil may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, palpitation, weakness, muscle pain, back pain, flushing, and skin rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness, fast or irregular heartbeat
- burning stomach pain, weight loss
- eye pain, inflammation, redness or itching
- persistent mouth or tongue ulcer, skin or genital ulcer
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Nicorandil with the following medicines:
- medicines used to treat impotence e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil
- medicines for high blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to the lungs e.g. riociguat
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. losartan
- medicines to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline, clomipramine
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac
- medicines that increase potassium levels in the blood e.g. amiloride, spironolactone
- anti-inflammatory medicines e.g. prednisone, cortisone
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Nicorandil.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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