Nicorandil Lyophilized Injection

Category: Anti-anginal / Vasodilator
Form: Lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder for reconstitution and intravenous (IV) use

Uses:

• Primarily used to treat angina pectoris (chest pain due to coronary artery disease).

• Can be used in cases where oral therapy is not feasible or rapid action is needed.

• Sometimes used in acute settings to relieve ischemic episodes in the heart.

Mechanism of Action:

• Nicorandil has a dual mechanism:

  1. Nitrate-like action → releases nitric oxide, causing venous and arterial dilation, reducing cardiac preload and afterload.

  2. ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener → relaxes vascular smooth muscle, improving coronary blood flow.

• Overall effect: reduces myocardial oxygen demand while improving oxygen supply to heart muscle.

Administration:

• The lyophilized powder is reconstituted with a suitable diluent before IV administration.

• Administered as a slow intravenous infusion under medical supervision.

• Dosage depends on patient condition, response, and tolerance.

Side Effects:

• Cardiovascular: headache, flushing, hypotension (low blood pressure), palpitations.

• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting.

• Other: dizziness, fainting.

• Rarely, prolonged use may cause ulceration or irritation in certain tissues.

Precautions:

• Monitor blood pressure and heart rate during administration.

• Use caution in patients with hypotension or severe heart failure.

• Avoid abrupt discontinuation in chronic therapy.

• Interactions with other vasodilators or nitrates can increase risk of hypotension.

Summary:
Nicorandil Lyophilized Injection is a vasodilator used for angina, combining nitrate-like action with potassium channel opening to improve blood flow to the heart while reducing cardiac workload. It is administered intravenously in acute or controlled settings, with side effects mainly related to low blood pressure, flushing, and headache.