Ikodil 20mg Tablets

Nicorandil is used to treat and prevent angina, which is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

It relaxes and widens blood vessels, increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. It is usually taken long term, often for life.

It is taken regularly to prevent or reduce angina; ask your doctor what to use if you have an angina attack.

Take nicorandil as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually twice a day.

• Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew them.
• You can take it with or without food.
• Keep the tablet in its blister until you are ready to take it.
• Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• If you take too much, speak to a pharmacist or doctor straight away.

Common side effects include:

• headache
• feeling or being sick
• flushing
• dizziness and weakness

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• eye pain and sensitivity to light (possible ulcer on the eye)
• stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite or blood in your poo (possible stomach or gut ulcer)
• painful ulcers on the skin, or inside the genitals, bottom or nose
• a swollen tongue or throat, a raised itchy rash or difficulty breathing (call emergency services)

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to nicorandil or a similar medicine
• have low blood pressure, fluid on the lungs or recent heart problems
• have low potassium and take potassium supplements
• have kidney problems, G6PD deficiency or diverticular disease
• take blood pressure medicines, erectile dysfunction medicines such as sildenafil, antidepressants such as amitriptyline, muscle relaxants such as baclofen, Parkinson's medicines, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin, steroid tablets or potassium supplements

Do not use salt substitutes, as they can raise potassium to unsafe levels.

Store below 25°C in the original package to protect from moisture, and keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Other medicines: always tell your doctor or pharmacist that you take nicorandil, especially before using erectile dysfunction medicines such as sildenafil.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: not recommended in pregnancy and not usually recommended while breastfeeding, as there is not enough information. Talk to your doctor.

Alcohol: best avoided, as it can make dizziness worse.

Driving: do not drive, cycle or use machines if you feel dizzy or weak.