Nicoduce 5

NICODUCE 5 by ABBOTT: Product Description

Name:

• Common Name: NICODUCE 5, Nicoduce 5 Tablet
• Brand Name: ABBOTT

Composition:

• Active Ingredient: Nicorandil 5 mg

Uses: NICODUCE 5 is primarily prescribed for the treatment and prevention of angina pectoris, commonly known as heart-related chest pain. It is particularly beneficial for adults who cannot tolerate beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, or when these medications have proven ineffective. The medicine helps manage stable angina pectoris and symptoms associated with coronary artery disease. By widening blood vessels and reducing the heart's workload, it improves blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle, thereby decreasing the frequency and severity of angina attacks and enhancing exercise capacity.

Dosage and Administration: NICODUCE 5 should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water, without chewing, breaking, or crushing them. It can be taken with or without food, ideally at approximately the same time each day for optimal results. The usual starting dose for adults is 10 mg (two 5mg tablets) taken orally twice daily, which may be adjusted by a healthcare professional, not exceeding 20 mg twice daily, based on the individual's response to treatment. Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor, as sudden withdrawal can cause chest pain to return.

Side Effects:

• Common Side Effects: Headache (often subsides within a week, especially if staying hydrated), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and flushing (reddening or warmth of the skin).
• Serious Side Effects (seek immediate medical attention if experienced): Severe dizziness or fainting, very fast/forceful/uneven heartbeat, low blood pressure, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, swelling, darkening of urine, fatigue, skin rash, high potassium levels, muscle pain, stomach pain, or blood in stools (which may indicate ulcers in the stomach, intestines, or back passage).

Precautions: Inform your doctor about any allergies to Nicorandil or other ingredients in NICODUCE 5. It is not recommended for children as its safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid alcohol consumption, as it can severely lower blood pressure and intensify dizziness. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before use. Exercise caution when driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience dizziness or weakness. Inform your doctor about pre-existing conditions such as low blood pressure, heart failure, low blood volume, pulmonary oedema, or lung, liver, or kidney problems. NICODUCE 5 should not be taken with erectile dysfunction medications like sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil, or with riociguat, due to the risk of severely low blood pressure. Caution is also advised when taking other blood pressure medicines, organic nitrates, certain painkillers, or medications that may increase potassium levels.

Storage: Store NICODUCE 5 in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. It should ideally be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C and should not be frozen. Keep the medicine out of reach and sight of children. Ensure the cap is tightly sealed after each use, and use the medicine before its expiry date.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Nicoduce 5 by Abbott:

What is Nicoduce 5 used for?

Nicoduce 5 Tablet is primarily used for the prevention and long-term treatment of angina pectoris, which is heart-related chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It is often prescribed to adults when other heart medications, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, are not suitable or have not been effective. It also helps manage symptoms of coronary artery disease.

How does Nicoduce 5 work?

Nicoduce 5 contains Nicorandil, which works through a dual mechanism. It acts as a potassium channel activator, opening potassium channels in the blood vessels, leading to relaxation and widening of the blood vessels (vasodilation). Additionally, Nicorandil acts as an organic nitrate, releasing nitric oxide, which further relaxes vascular smooth muscle. These actions improve blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle and reduce the heart's workload, thereby preventing and relieving anginal pain.

What is the usual dosage for Nicoduce 5?

The dosage of Nicoduce 5 should be strictly as prescribed by your doctor. It is typically taken orally as a whole tablet with water, with or without food. You should not crush, chew, or break the tablet. The usual starting dose for adults may be 10 mg twice daily, and it should not exceed 20 mg twice daily. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your individual response and condition.

What are the possible side effects of Nicoduce 5?

Common side effects include headache, especially during the initial days of treatment (which usually improves within a week), dizziness, flushing (a sensation of warmth and redness in the skin), nausea, vomiting, and weakness or lethargy. If you experience severe dizziness, fainting, very low blood pressure, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, or notice blood in your stools (which could indicate ulcers), you should contact your doctor immediately.

Is Nicoduce 5 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Nicoduce 5 is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Caution is advised, and it is crucial to consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits before taking this medication if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can Nicoduce 5 be taken with other medications?

Nicoduce 5 can interact with several medications. You should avoid taking it with:

• Erectile dysfunction medicines (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) as this combination can lead to a significant and dangerous drop in blood pressure.
• Medicines for pulmonary hypertension (e.g., riociguat), which can also cause a substantial decrease in blood pressure.

Use with caution and inform your doctor if you are taking:

• Other blood pressure-lowering medications (like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers) or organic nitrates, as they can further lower blood pressure.
• NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen) or corticosteroids, which may increase the risk of ulcers or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Potassium-sparing diuretics, as Nicoduce 5 can increase potassium levels, and this combination may lead to high potassium.

Always inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are currently taking.

What precautions should be taken while using Nicoduce 5?

• Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can significantly lower your blood pressure and increase dizziness.
• Inform your doctor about any pre-existing conditions, especially low blood pressure, severe heart failure, low blood volume, pulmonary edema, or any liver or kidney problems.
• Do not stop taking Nicoduce 5 abruptly, as sudden withdrawal can lead to a return of chest pain.
• Nicoduce 5 may cause dizziness or weakness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how the medicine affects you.
• Avoid sudden changes in position, such as standing up quickly, to prevent dizziness.
• It is not recommended for use in children.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Nicoduce 5, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is 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 the missed one.

How should Nicoduce 5 be stored?

Nicoduce 5 Tablets should be stored at room temperature, ideally between 2°C to 8°C (some sources specifically mention refrigeration). Keep the medication away from direct light and moisture, and ensure the cap is tightly sealed after each use. Do not freeze the tablets. Always keep it out of reach of children.