Description
Nicorandil Tablets IP 5 mg are prescribed for the prevention and long-term treatment of chronic stable angina (chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart). Nicorandil has a dual action: it acts like nitrates to dilate veins, reducing the heart’s workload, and also opens potassium channels in blood vessels, causing arterial dilation and improving oxygen delivery to the heart muscle. This combined effect helps to prevent angina attacks by lowering the heart’s oxygen demand and increasing its oxygen supply.
Mechanism of Action: Nicorandil acts through a dual mechanism:
- Potassium channel opener: It opens ATP-sensitive potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing arterial vasodilation, which reduces afterload (the pressure the heart must work against).
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Nitrate-like activity: It donates nitric oxide, leading to venous dilation, reducing preload (volume of blood returning to the heart).
Together, these effects result in decreased myocardial oxygen demand and improved coronary blood flow, making it effective for treating stable angina pectoris.
Uses:
Nicorandil 5 mg tablets are indicated for:
- Prevention and long-term treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris
- Especially useful in patients who:
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Cannot tolerate beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers
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Require additional anti-anginal therapy for symptom control
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