Nicorandil

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nicorandil
Systematic (IUPAC) name
2-(pyridine-3-carbonylamino)ethyl nitrate
Identifiers
CAS number 65141-46-0
ATC code C01DX16
PubChem 47528
Chemical data
Formula C8H9N3O4 
Mol. mass 211.175 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability 75 to 80%
Protein binding 25%
Metabolism Hepatic
Half life 1 hour
Excretion Renal (21%)
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.

B3(AU)

Legal status

POM(UK)

Routes Oral

Nicorandil is a drug used to treat angina. It is marketed under the trade names Ikorel (in the United Kingdom, Australia and most of Europe), Zynicor (in India), Aprior (in the Philippines) and Sigmart (in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan). Nicorandil is not available in the United States.

[edit] Mechanism of action

Nicorandil acts by relaxing the smooth muscle of the blood vessels, especially those of the venous system. It does this through two methods. Firstly, by activating potassium channels, and secondly by donating nitric oxide to activate the enzyme guanylate cyclase. Guanylate cyclase causes activation of GMP leading to both arterial and venous vasodilatation. As it is selective for vascular potassium channels, it has no significant action on cardiac contractility and conduction.

Although it can dilate the coronary vessels of a healthy individual, its effects on the coronary vessels of someone with ischaemic heart disease will be little as they will already be completely dilated. Instead, it dilates the venous system, reducing preload and the work of the heart.

[edit] Side effects

Common side effects include flushing, palpitation, weakness, headache, mouth ulcers, nausea and vomiting. More recently peri-anal, ileal and peri-stomal ulceration has been reported as a side effect. Anal ulceration is now included in the British National Formulary as a reported side effect.

[edit] References

  • Tripathi, K.D. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, chapter 37, page 499.
Languages