Nicorandil

Heart medicine
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Nicorandil is a heart medicine found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Nikoran 5. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Prevents chest pain (angina) by widening heart blood vessels.

How it works

Opens potassium channels and works like a nitrate to prevent angina.

How to take it

Usually 5 to 20 mg twice a day.

Common side effects

  • Headache (often fades)
  • Flushing
  • Dizziness

Get medical help straight away if

  • Mouth, skin, anal or gut ulcers (stop and see a doctor)
  • Fainting

Be careful

Can cause headache; can rarely cause mouth or gut ulcers.

Other medicines and interactions

Never with sildenafil or tadalafil. Raises ulcer risk with steroids and NSAIDs.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Brands of Nicorandil (1)

Nikoran 5

Common questions

What is Nicorandil used for?

Prevents chest pain (angina) by widening heart blood vessels.

How does Nicorandil work?

Opens potassium channels and works like a nitrate to prevent angina.

How should I take Nicorandil?

Usually 5 to 20 mg twice a day.

What are the side effects of Nicorandil?

Common: Headache (often fades), flushing, dizziness. Get help straight away for: Mouth, skin, anal or gut ulcers (stop and see a doctor), fainting.

Does Nicorandil interact with other medicines?

Never with sildenafil or tadalafil. Raises ulcer risk with steroids and NSAIDs.

Is Nicorandil safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Does Nicorandil need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Nicorandil?

Nikoran 5.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

🔎 Search another medicine

For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.