RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 ▼Nicorandil for angina
JF Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin
JO Drug Ther Bull
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 89
OP 91
DO 10.1136/dtb.1995.331289
VO 33
IS 12
YR 1995
UL http://dtb.bmj.com/content/33/12/89.abstract
AB 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.