Nicorandil is a medicine used to treat and reduce chest pain caused by angina.
It works by relaxing and widening your blood vessels and increasing the blood and oxygen supply to your heart.
Your doctor will usually prescribe nicorandil when other heart medicines have not worked or are not suitable for you.
This medicine is only available on prescription and comes as tablets.
Key facts
- Taking nicorandil regularly can reduce the risk of further heart conditions.
- Nicorandil starts to work after about 1 hour, but it usually takes about 4 to 5 days for it to fully take effect.
- It may make you feel dizzy, especially when you first start taking it or after taking a bigger dose. If this happens, do not drive a car, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery until you feel better.
- Do not take nicorandil while you are taking medicine for erection problems (erectile dysfunction). This mix can cause a serious drop in blood pressure.
- Do not use salt substitutes such as Lo-Salt while taking nicorandil. This is because they're high in potassium.