Ikorel: generic name: nicorandil

Nicorandil is approved for the treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris. Nicorandil is in a new class of compounds referred to as ATP- dependent potassium channel openers. In addition to its effect on the channel, the nicorandil molecule contains a nitrate moiety. Comparative studies have shown that nicorandil improves both objective and subjective symptoms to an extent similar to that seen with beta blockers, nitrates or calcium channel antagonists. Nicorandil is generally well tolerated with the major adverse effect being headache at the start of therapy. (non-author abstract)