Nicorandil belongs to a class of medicines known as “potassium channel openers”. It helps in the removal of potassium from the walls of arteries resulting in widening of the arteries. This decreases the workload of the heart to pump the blood. It also improves the blood and oxygen supply to your heart muscle. It is prescribed to patients of stable angina (heart-related chest pain) who cannot take other medicines (beta blockers, calcium channel antagonist) meant for angina.

No, you should not stop taking Nicorandil without speaking to your doctor first. If you stop Nicorandil suddenly, your anginal pain may recur. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any side effects.

Nicorandil starts working after about an hour of taking the medicine, but full benefits may be seen only after 4 to 5 days.

Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you. Nicorandil is generally prescribed for a long term. You may even need to take it for the rest of your life.

People who are allergic to Nicorandil or any of its ingredients should avoid using this medicine. Also, patients who have heart problems such as cardiogenic shock or left ventricular failure with low filling pressure or cardiac decompensation or have a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) should not use Nicorandil. Additionally, patients taking medicines to treat erectile dysfunction (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil) or medicines to treat pulmonary hypertension (e.g., riociguat) should not use the medication. Your blood pressure may be affected if these medicines are taken with Nicorandil or if you have low blood volume.

You should avoid taking Nicorandil and aspirin together. Taking the two medicines together increases the risk of ulcer or bleeding in the mouth, stomach or intestine. Immediately consult your doctor, If you notice blood in your stool or vomit while using Nicorandil.

No, Nicorandil does not affect your sex life. However, it is not recommended to take medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction (e.g., sildenafil or tadalafil) or premature ejaculation (e.g., vardenafil or dapoxetine) while taking Nicorandil. Taking them together can lead to a serious drop in your blood pressure.

He or she should be taken to the hospital immediately. The person may experience signs of low blood pressure, which include feeling weak or dizzy. He or she may also experience irregular or fast heart beat.