TY - JOUR T1 - ▼Nicorandil for angina JF - Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin JO - Drug Ther Bull SP - 89 LP - 91 DO - 10.1136/dtb.1995.331289 VL - 33 IS - 12 A2 - , Y1 - 1995/12/01 UR - http://dtb.bmj.com/content/33/12/89.abstract N2 - Relevant BNF section: 2.6.3Nicorandil (Ikorel - Rhône-Poulenc Rorer; Merck & Lipha) is marketed for the prevention and long-term treatment of angina pectoris. The drug, which has been used in Japan for about ten years, was introduced in the UK last year as the first of a new class of anti-anginal drug. Nicorandil combines the properties of an organic nitrate with those of a potassium-channel activator, causing dilatation of coronary arteries and arterioles, systemic resistance vessels and veins. The manufacturer claims that nicorandil is 'effective monotherapy for up to 80% of patients', that 'efficacy is sustained because haemodynamic tolerance does not occur' and that the drug 'frees patients from many of the limitations of earlier therapies'. We examine these claims. ER -