NIKORAN 5MG

# Nicorandil 5 mg ## SHORT DESCRIPTION Nicorandil 5 mg is an anti-anginal medicine used to help **prevent and manage angina pectoris**, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle. It has both nitrate-like and potassium-channel-opening properties, which help relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart and reducing the workload on the heart. ## KEY BENEFITS * Helps prevent symptoms of stable angina * Improves blood flow to the heart muscle * Relaxes and widens blood vessels * Reduces the workload and oxygen demand of the heart * Helps reduce the frequency of angina attacks when used regularly * Provides an alternative anti-anginal treatment when other medicines are not suitable or sufficient ## USES / INDICATIONS Nicorandil 5 mg may be prescribed for: * Stable angina pectoris * Prevention of recurrent angina symptoms * Long-term management of chronic stable angina when clinically appropriate **Important:** Nicorandil is generally used for prevention of angina rather than for immediate relief of an acute chest-pain attack. ## HOW IT WORKS Nicorandil has two complementary actions: **Potassium-channel opening:** It activates ATP-sensitive potassium channels, causing relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and widening of blood vessels. **Nitrate-like action:** It increases nitric oxide-related vasodilation, which helps relax veins and arteries. These effects improve coronary blood flow and reduce the amount of work and oxygen required by the heart, helping prevent angina symptoms. ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION * Take Nicorandil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. * A common adult starting dose is **5 mg twice daily**, although the dose may be adjusted according to response and tolerability. * Your doctor may gradually increase the dose if necessary. * It can generally be taken with or without food. * Take the medicine at approximately the same times each day. * Swallow the tablet with water. * Do not stop treatment or change the dose without medical advice. * Nicorandil is generally used regularly to prevent angina and is **not intended to replace fast-acting treatment for an acute angina attack**. ## SIDE EFFECTS Possible side effects may include: * Headache * Dizziness * Weakness * Nausea * Vomiting * Flushing * Low blood pressure * Increased heart rate * Mouth ulcers * Gastrointestinal ulcers Rare but potentially serious ulceration can occur in areas such as the mouth, digestive tract, skin, or around the anus or genital region. Seek urgent medical attention for severe or persistent ulceration, gastrointestinal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS * Nicorandil can cause headaches and dizziness, particularly when treatment is started. * Rise slowly from sitting or lying down to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting. * Inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure or significant heart disease. * Tell your doctor if you have stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers, diverticular disease, or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding. * Report persistent or unexplained ulcers, particularly mouth, tongue, intestinal, anal, or genital ulcers. * Avoid dehydration, particularly if you are experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea, or excessive sweating. * Do not use nicorandil for immediate relief of acute chest pain unless specifically instructed by your healthcare professional. * Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. * Do not stop prescribed anti-anginal treatment without medical advice. ## DRUG INTERACTIONS Nicorandil may interact with: * **PDE-5 inhibitors** such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil * Other nitrate or nitric oxide donor medicines * Other medicines that lower blood pressure * Medicines that may increase the risk of low blood pressure **Do not combine nicorandil with PDE-5 inhibitors** because the combination can cause a potentially dangerous and sudden drop in blood pressure. Alcohol may also increase dizziness or low blood pressure in some people. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take. ## STORAGE INFORMATION * Store at room temperature according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. * Keep the medicine in its original packaging. * Keep out of reach and sight of children. * Do not use after the expiry date printed on the package. * Keep the packaging tightly closed when not in use. ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS Nicorandil 5 mg is generally a **prescription medicine**. It should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional for the appropriate management of angina. ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE For genuine medicine assurance: * Purchase Nicorandil 5 mg from a licensed and reputable pharmacy. * Check the product name, strength, batch number, manufacturer information, and expiry date. * Ensure the packaging and seal are intact. * Do not use products with damaged, altered, or suspicious packaging. * Follow the manufacturer's storage instructions. * Consult a pharmacist if you have concerns about the authenticity of the medicine. ## FAQ ### What is Nicorandil 5 mg used for? Nicorandil 5 mg is primarily used to prevent and manage symptoms of stable angina, a type of chest pain caused by inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle. ### Is Nicorandil a nitrate? Nicorandil has a **nitrate-like action** as well as potassium-channel-opening activity. These combined actions relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart. ### How does Nicorandil work? Nicorandil widens blood vessels through two mechanisms. It opens potassium channels and also produces nitrate-like vasodilation, helping improve coronary blood flow and reduce the heart's workload. ### Is Nicorandil used for immediate relief of chest pain? No. Nicorandil is generally used as a regular preventive anti-anginal medicine. A fast-acting medicine prescribed specifically for acute angina should be used for sudden chest pain according to your doctor's instructions. ### What is the usual dose of Nicorandil 5 mg? A common starting dose for adults is **5 mg twice daily**, but the dose may be adjusted according to the patient's response and tolerability. Always follow your doctor's prescription. ### Can Nicorandil cause headaches? Yes. Headache is one of the most common side effects, particularly when treatment is first started. It may improve as the body becomes accustomed to the medicine. ### Can Nicorandil cause low blood pressure? Yes. Because nicorandil widens blood vessels, it can sometimes cause low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting. Contact your healthcare professional if these symptoms are severe or persistent. ### Can Nicorandil cause ulcers? Yes. Nicorandil can rarely cause serious ulcers affecting areas such as the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, skin, or anal and genital regions. Report unexplained or persistent ulcers to your doctor promptly. ### Can I take sildenafil with Nicorandil? **No.** Nicorandil should not be combined with PDE-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil because the combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure. ### Can Nicorandil be taken with other heart medicines? It may be prescribed with other cardiovascular medicines when clinically appropriate. However, combinations can increase the risk of low blood pressure, so your doctor should review all your medicines. ### Can I drink alcohol while taking Nicorandil? Alcohol may increase the blood-pressure-lowering effects of nicorandil and may make dizziness worse. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about alcohol use during treatment. ### What happens if I miss a dose of Nicorandil? Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose. ### Can I stop Nicorandil suddenly? Do not stop nicorandil without consulting your doctor. Stopping prescribed anti-anginal treatment may cause your angina symptoms to return or worsen. ### Is Nicorandil safe during pregnancy? There is limited information about nicorandil use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare professional before using it. ### Does Nicorandil cure angina? Nicorandil does not cure the underlying causes of coronary artery disease. It helps prevent angina symptoms by improving blood flow and reducing the workload of the heart. ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nicorandil 5 mg should be used only as prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. The appropriate dose and treatment duration depend on the individual's medical condition, response to treatment, and other medicines being used. Nicorandil is not intended to replace emergency treatment for sudden or severe chest pain. **New, severe, prolonged, or worsening chest pain requires urgent medical evaluation.** Always read the product label and consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.