Nikoran Od 20

NIKORAN OD 20 Tablet

• Name:
  • Brand Name: NIKORAN OD 20 Tablet
  • Common Name (Active Ingredient): Nicorandil
• Composition:
  • Each tablet contains Nicorandil 20mg.
• Uses:
  • NIKORAN OD 20 Tablet is primarily used to prevent and treat angina pectoris (heart-related chest pain) in adults.
  • It is often prescribed when other heart medications, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel antagonists, are not suitable or have not been effective.
  • Nicorandil works by widening blood vessels and relaxing muscle cells, which improves blood flow to the heart and increases the oxygen supply to the heart muscle. This action reduces the heart's workload and the frequency and severity of angina attacks.
• Dosage and Administration:
  • Take NIKORAN OD 20 Tablet with or without food.
  • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
  • It is recommended to take the tablet at the same time each day for consistency.
  • The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by your doctor based on your individual medical condition, age, and response to treatment.
  • The recommended starting dose can be 10mg twice daily, with a usual therapeutic range of 10 to 20mg twice daily. Up to 30mg twice daily may be used if necessary.
  • Do not stop taking the medication abruptly without consulting your doctor, as sudden withdrawal can worsen chest pain.
• Side Effects:
  • Common: Headaches (especially during the first few days, usually improves), nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, flushing (a sensation of warmth in the face, ears, neck, and trunk), and fatigue.
  • Serious/Less Common: Uneven or fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, skin abscesses, ulcers in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract (small and large intestines), or anal area (seek medical advice if blood in stools), rashes, itching, and muscle pain. Increased potassium levels (hyperkalemia) and yellowing of the skin and eyes may also occur.
• Precautions:
  • Contraindications: Do not take if you have severe low blood pressure (hypotension), low blood volume (hypovolaemia), pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock, left ventricular failure with low filling pressure, or an allergy to Nicorandil.
  • Drug Interactions: Avoid concomitant use with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) or riociguat, as this can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure. Caution is advised with aspirin due to an increased risk of gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor. NIKORAN OD 20 is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding as its effects are not well-established and it may cause severe harmful effects to infants.
  • Driving and Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness or weakness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience these symptoms.
  • Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can further lower blood pressure and increase dizziness and drowsiness.
  • Other: Inform your doctor about any existing heart problems, kidney or liver disease, or if you are taking corticosteroids. Gastrointestinal ulcerations, skin and mucosal ulceration, and gastrointestinal perforations can occur.
• Storage:
  • Store in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep out of reach and sight of children.
  • It should be stored in a refrigerator (2ºC to 8ºC) and not frozen. Keep tablets in their blister until intake due to their hygroscopic nature.

Here are frequently asked questions about NIKORAN OD 20 (Nicorandil) by Torrent Pharma:

What is NIKORAN OD 20 used for?

NIKORAN OD 20 is primarily used to prevent and treat angina pectoris, which is heart-related chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It is often prescribed when other heart medications, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel antagonists, are not suitable or have not been effective.

How does NIKORAN OD 20 work?

NIKORAN OD 20 contains Nicorandil, which acts as a vasodilator with a dual mechanism. It works by opening potassium channels in the muscle cells of blood vessel walls, causing them to relax and widen. This leads to arterial dilation, reducing the heart's workload and improving blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle. Additionally, due to its nitrate component, it relaxes vascular smooth muscle, especially in the venous system, further improving blood flow and reducing the frequency and severity of angina attacks.

What is the usual dosage for NIKORAN OD 20?

The recommended starting dose for adults is typically 10 mg twice daily. This may be increased to 20 mg twice daily depending on the patient's response and medical condition. In patients prone to headaches, a lower starting dose of 5 mg twice daily might be used. It is important to take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor, usually swallowed whole with water, and not to stop taking it abruptly.

What are the possible side effects of NIKORAN OD 20?

Common side effects can include headache (especially during the first few days), dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and flushing (a sense of warmth or redness of the skin). More serious, though rare, side effects can include gastrointestinal, mouth, eye, or skin ulcers, increased potassium levels (hyperkalemia), and a significant drop in blood pressure. Report any persistent or severe side effects, especially ulcers or blood in stools, to your doctor immediately.

Is NIKORAN OD 20 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

NIKORAN OD 20 is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless absolutely necessary, and only after discussing the potential risks and benefits with a doctor. Limited human data suggests it may be unsafe during pregnancy and that it might pass into breast milk.

Can NIKORAN OD 20 be taken with other medications?

NIKORAN OD 20 should not be taken with phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil (used for erectile dysfunction), or with soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators like riociguat, as this can lead to a severe and dangerous drop in blood pressure. Caution is also advised when taken with other blood pressure-lowering agents (like vasodilators or tricyclic antidepressants), NSAIDs, or aspirin, as these combinations can increase the risk of low blood pressure or gastrointestinal ulceration/bleeding.

What precautions should be taken while using NIKORAN OD 20?

Avoid consuming alcohol while on NIKORAN OD 20 as it can further lower blood pressure and increase dizziness. If you experience dizziness, weakness, or blurred vision, avoid driving or operating machinery. Inform your doctor if you have a history of low blood pressure, heart failure, or certain other heart conditions. Discontinue the medication and consult your doctor if you develop any ulcers (mouth, eye, skin, or gastrointestinal). Also, avoid salt substitutes high in potassium.

What happens if a dose of NIKORAN OD 20 is missed?

If you miss a dose of NIKORAN OD 20, 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 a missed one. Always consult your doctor for specific instructions regarding missed doses.

How should NIKORAN OD 20 be stored?

NIKORAN OD 20 tablets should be stored in a refrigerator, ideally between 2°C to 8°C. They should not be frozen. Keep the medicine in its original blister pack until intake due to its hygroscopic nature, and store it out of reach and sight of children.