MedDroid
Ask MedDroid
Nicorandil: uses, side effects & brands
Nicorandil widens blood vessels to prevent angina. It belongs to the Anti-anginal (heart, extra) group. These improve blood or energy supply to the heart to reduce angina.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Anti-anginal (heart, extra) |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Preventing stable angina
- Add-on when other angina medicines are not enough
- Angina when beta-blockers or calcium-channel blockers are unsuitable
Common brand names
- India: Nikoran, Korandil
- Worldwide: Ikorel
Common side effects
- Headache (often in the first days)
- Flushing
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Before taking it — precautions
- Never take with sildenafil, tadalafil or similar medicines; dangerous fall in blood pressure
- Tell your doctor about low blood pressure or heart failure
- Can cause ulcers in the mouth, gut or skin; report sores
When to see a doctor urgently
- Mouth, anal or skin ulcers that do not heal
- Rectal bleeding or black stools (urgent)
- Fainting or chest pain at rest (urgent)
Frequently asked questions
Why do I get a headache at first?
It widens blood vessels, which commonly causes a headache early on that usually fades. Starting low helps.
What are the ulcers?
Nicorandil can rarely cause painful ulcers in the mouth, bowel or skin. They usually heal only if the medicine is stopped, so tell your doctor.
Does it treat an angina attack?
No. It is taken regularly to prevent attacks; use your quick-acting spray for an attack.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.