Nicostar Od

Nicostar OD by Lupin Ltd.

Nicostar OD is a medication manufactured by Lupin Ltd., primarily used for the management and prevention of heart-related chest pain.

• Name

  • Brand Name: Nicostar OD
  • Common Name: Nicorandil

• Composition

  • Active Ingredient: Nicorandil 10mg

• Uses Nicostar OD is prescribed to treat and prevent angina pectoris, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It is often used in adults who cannot take or have not responded well to other anti-anginal medications like beta-blockers or calcium antagonists. Nicorandil works as a potassium channel activator, relaxing and widening blood vessels, which improves blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle and reduces its workload.

• Dosage and Administration Nicostar OD should be taken as prescribed by a doctor, typically with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not chewed, broken, or crushed. It is advised to take the medicine regularly and at approximately the same time(s) each day.

• Side Effects

  • Common Side Effects: Headache (especially initially), dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, flushing (reddening of the skin), and fast or uneven heartbeat.
  • Serious Side Effects: Severely low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, ulcers in the mouth, stomach, intestines, or anal area (potentially indicated by blood in stools), and increased potassium levels.

• Precautions Avoid Nicostar OD if allergic to nicorandil or any other ingredients. It is not recommended for patients with severe low blood pressure, low blood volume, or certain heart problems like cardiogenic shock or left ventricular failure with low filling pressure. Caution is advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and it's generally not recommended for children. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can cause severely low blood pressure. Concomitant use with medicines for erectile dysfunction (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) or pulmonary hypertension (e.g., riociguat) is contraindicated due to the risk of severe hypotension. Patients with liver or kidney issues should consult their doctor.

• Storage Store Nicostar OD in a cool, dry place, ideally between 2°C to 8°C (refrigerated), away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.

NICOSTAR OD: Frequently Asked Questions

NICOSTAR OD, manufactured by LUPIN LTD, contains the active ingredient Nicorandil. It is primarily used to manage and prevent heart-related chest pain.

What is NICOSTAR OD used for?

NICOSTAR OD is used to prevent and treat angina pectoris, which is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It is often prescribed for adults who cannot take other heart medications like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers.

How does NICOSTAR OD work?

NICOSTAR OD contains Nicorandil, a potassium-channel activator. It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, including the coronary arteries, which increases blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle. This action helps to reduce the heart's workload and the frequency and severity of angina attacks. It also has a nitrate-like effect by releasing nitric oxide.

What is the usual dosage of NICOSTAR OD?

The dosage and duration of NICOSTAR OD are determined by your doctor based on your medical condition. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food. It's important to take it regularly at approximately the same time each day and not to chew, break, or crush the tablet. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of NICOSTAR OD?

Common side effects include headache (especially at the beginning of treatment, usually temporary), dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and flushing (reddening of the skin). More serious but less common side effects can include low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and ulcers in the mouth or gastrointestinal tract. If you experience persistent or severe side effects, or notice blood in your stools, contact your doctor immediately.

Is NICOSTAR OD safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

NICOSTAR OD is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it may pose risks to the developing fetus. Similarly, it is not recommended for use by breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Can NICOSTAR OD be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.

• Avoid: NICOSTAR OD should not be taken with medications for erectile dysfunction (such as sildenafil, vardenafil, or tadalafil) or with riociguat, as this combination can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure.
• Caution: Concomitant use with other vasodilators, other blood pressure-lowering medications (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), potassium-sparing diuretics, tricyclic antidepressants, and corticosteroids may require dose adjustments or careful monitoring due to potential interactions or increased risk of side effects.

What precautions should be taken while using NICOSTAR OD?

• Avoid alcohol consumption as it can significantly lower your blood pressure.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience dizziness or weakness after taking this medicine.
• Inform your doctor if you have severe low blood pressure, low blood volume, fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema), or certain heart problems, as NICOSTAR OD may not be suitable for you.
• Exercise caution if you have a history of liver or kidney disease.
• NICOSTAR OD is not recommended for children as its safety and effectiveness have not been established.
• Report any signs of gastrointestinal ulcers, such as blood in stools, to your doctor immediately.

What happens if a dose of NICOSTAR OD is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should NICOSTAR OD be stored?

Store NICOSTAR OD in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Some recommendations suggest storing it in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze it, and always keep it out of reach of children.