Nicorandil/Ikorel

Nicorandil tablets are prescribed for adults who experience stable angina, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. This angina treatment is used when first-line options are not suitable or have not provided enough symptom control.

Nicorandil is a vasodilator with a nitrate-like action that works directly on the blood vessels supplying the heart. By improving blood flow and reducing strain on the heart, it reduces chest pain episodes and supports long-term heart health.

If approved after an online consultation, you can buy Nicorandil tablets (Ikorel equivalent) from Pharmacy Planet as part of a structured cardiovascular therapy for ischaemic heart disease and coronary artery disease.

Nicorandil tablets are an oral medicine used for the symptomatic treatment of stable angina pectoris in adults. They are prescribed when beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers are unsuitable or not tolerated.

Nicorandil belongs to a group of medicines known as vasodilators. It relaxes blood vessels in and around the heart, improving oxygen delivery to heart muscle and reducing the pressure that triggers angina-related chest pain.

Although Ikorel was the original brand name, Nicorandil tablets available today provide the same clinical effect and are widely used in UK cardiovascular care.

Nicorandil tablets reduce angina symptoms by acting on blood vessels in two complementary ways.

1. Dual Vasodilator Action

Nicorandil works through a potassium channel opening effect and a nitrate-like mechanism, allowing both arteries and veins to relax.

2. Improves Blood Flow to the Heart

The medicine widens coronary arteries, including narrowed sections, increasing oxygen supply to heart muscle affected by coronary artery disease.

3. Reduces Cardiac Workload

By lowering both preload and afterload, Nicorandil reduces the effort required for the heart to pump blood.

4. Protects Heart Tissue During Ischaemia

Nicorandil mimics natural protective mechanisms seen in ischaemic heart disease, supporting heart muscle during periods of reduced oxygen.

This combined action makes Nicorandil an effective angina treatment for ongoing chest pain control.

Nicorandil tablets are taken orally and are suitable for adult use only.

Dosage Guidance:

• Standard starting dose: 10 mg twice daily, taken morning and evening.
• Dose adjustment: May be increased gradually up to 20 mg twice daily if required.
• Lower starting dose: 5 mg twice daily may be used if headaches occur early in treatment.
• Elderly patients usually follow the same dosing guidance, with emphasis on the lowest effective dose.
• Nicorandil tablets are not recommended for children, as safety and effectiveness have not been established.

The dose is adjusted individually during your consultation based on response and tolerance.

How to Take Nicorandil Tablets:

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Take one dose in the morning and one in the evening.
• Do not crush or chew the tablets.
• Tablets may be split if advised.
• Can be taken with or without food.

Nicorandil tablets may be suitable for people who:

• Have stable angina pectoris.
• Experience chest pain due to ischaemic heart disease.
• Have coronary artery disease confirmed by testing.
• Cannot tolerate beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers.
• Require long-term chest pain relief as part of cardiovascular therapy.

Nicorandil tablets may not be suitable for people who:

• Have very low blood pressure.
• Have severe heart failure with poor cardiac filling.
• Have had allergic reactions to Nicorandil.
• Take medicines that strongly lower blood pressure.

Suitability is always confirmed during your online consultation with Pharmacy Planet.

Nicorandil tablets are widely prescribed, but side effects can occur.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache, especially when starting treatment
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Flushing
• Feeling weak or tired
• Nausea

Serious Side Effects:

• Mouth, skin, eye, or gastrointestinal ulceration
• Severe stomach pain or bleeding
• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Allergic reactions such as swelling of the face or throat

If serious side effects occur, medical advice should be sought immediately.

Some medicines interact with Nicorandil and may cause unsafe drops in blood pressure.

Do not take Nicorandil with:

• Sildenafil, tadalafil, or similar PDE-5 inhibitors.
• Riociguat or similar medicines.

Extra caution is required if taken alongside:

• Other blood pressure-lowering medicines.
• Nitrates or vasodilators.
• NSAIDs or aspirin, due to stomach ulcer risk.
• Corticosteroids.
• Medicines that increase potassium levels.

All current treatments should be declared during your consultation with your prescriber.

Nicorandil tablets are used when angina symptoms persist despite standard treatment. They are chosen because they:

• Reduce frequency and severity of chest pain episodes.
• Improve blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Lower strain on the heart during activity.
• Support long-term heart health.
• Provide consistent control in chronic angina.

Large clinical studies have shown Nicorandil reduces hospital admissions related to cardiac chest pain in high-risk patients.

Getting Nicorandil tablets from Pharmacy Planet is simple and secure.

1. Complete the online consultation and share details about your angina, symptoms, and current medicines.
2. A qualified prescriber reviews your information for safety and suitability.
3. Once approved, your Nicorandil tablets are dispensed and delivered discreetly.