Description of Ikorel

Ikorel is a prescription medicine that contains a vasodilator as its active component. Nicorandil belongs to the class of potassium-channel activators. Patients suffering from coronary heart disease (known as angina) characterized by a low supply of oxygen to the heart are often advised to buy Ikorel. The oral drug treats this medical condition in the following ways :

• Nicorandil activates the potassium channels present in the muscle cells, relaxes them, and widens the arteries that carry blood from the heart;
• It also sufficiently increases the width of the coronary arteries within the heart muscles and helps increase oxygen supply;
• Ikorel acts on the veins carrying blood to the heart and helps reduce its workload

The generic name of Ikorel is Nicorandil and it is available in the form of10mg and 20mg strength tablets. Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: starch (maize), croscarmellose sodium, mannitol and stearic acid.

Indications & Dosage of Ikorel

Ikorel is indicated for the long term treatment of chronic angina pectoris and the preventive treatment of syndromes associated with chronic stable angina. Heart attacks, strokes, severe chest pain, and exercise-induced heart problems are some of the common problems that may be alleviated with Ikorel.

The recommended dosage in adults may be initiated as 10mg or 20mg Ikorel, taken twice each day (at a gap of around 12 hours). Doctors may decide to gradually increase the dosage up to 30mg two times a day. Some patients may not be able to tolerate doses in excess of 5mg. It is advisable to follow the doctor’s advice regarding this.

Patients who buy Ikorel must use the drug within 30 days of opening it. They can store an unopened blister pack in a dry place at temperatures below 25 degrees Celsius for up to 18 months.

Side Effects & Interactions of Ikorel

Ikorel, like most drugs, is capable of producing side effects. Some side effects are mild by nature and disappear without special medical care as the body adjusts to the drug. Others can be more serious and cause several health problems if not reported to a medical expert on time. Some of the minor side effects of Ikorel are:

• Headache
• Flushing
• Fatigue
• Dizziness, nausea
• Stomach problems like diarrhea, constipation, pain
• Vision problems
• Rectal or nasal bleeding
• Anxiety, mood changes, depression
• Itching, mild rashes
• Fever

The list of major side effects that should be immediately reported to a doctor include (but are not limited to):

• Tinnitus
• Hypertension
• Irregular heartbeat , rapid pulse
• Ulcers in the mouth, genitals, anus or on the skin
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling in the throat, mouth, face, or the limbs

It is always advised that patients inform their doctors about all their current medications, supplements and off the counter drugs being used in order to minimize and monitor severe drug interactions. Some drugs that should not be co-administered with Ikorel are: sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil. Some other drugs that may require a dosage adjustment are: antidepressants, sedatives, hypertension medications, corticosteroids, calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers and minoxidil.

Warnings & Precautions of Ikorel

Ikorel is contraindicated in:

• Children
• Patients with a history of low blood pressure, left sided heart failure, and cardiogenic shock.
• Nursing women

Pregnant women should only buyIkorel if instructed by a doctor.

Ikorel causes a drop in blood pressure and causes dizziness.

Alcohol should be avoided while using this medication.