Nicorandil: reminder of advice for healthcare professionals
Posted on:
Updated advice on use of nicorandil as second-line treatment for stable angina – some ulcers may progress to complications unless treatment is stopped.
Advice for healthcare professionals:
- Use nicorandil for treatment of stable angina only in patients whose angina is inadequately controlled by first line anti-anginal therapies, or who have a contraindication or intolerance to first line anti-anginal therapies such as beta-blockers or calcium antagonists
- Nicorandil can cause serious skin, mucosal, and eye ulceration, including gastrointestinal ulcers which may progress to perforation, haemorrhage, fistula, or abscess
- Stop nicorandil treatment if ulceration occurs—consider the need for alternative treatment or specialist advice if angina symptoms worsen
- Please continue to report suspected adverse drug reactions to nicorandil or any other medicines on a Yellow Card