Nicorandil (65141-46-0)

　　Nicorandil, chemically known as N-(2-hydroxyethyl)nicotinyl nitrate, with the molecular formula C8H9N3O4, is an ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener used in clinical practice. Clinical studies have demonstrated that nicorandil is effective for all types of angina pectoris, including exertional and spastic angina, and can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events while improving prognosis.

　　 Purpose: Anti-anginal agent. It selectively dilates the coronary arteries, sustainably increases coronary blood flow, and inhibits coronary spasm. It is indicated for various types of angina pectoris.

　 　Development: Nicorandil was first developed in 1978 by Chugai Pharmaceutical and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation of Japan, entered clinical trials in 1981, and was assigned the international nonproprietary name Nicorandil in 1982. In 1983, it was included in Volume I of the U.S. New Drugs Annual, “Cardiovascular Drugs,” having already completed animal studies, pharmacological and toxicological evaluations, and clinical trials. It had reached the stage of practical application and was launched in Japan in early 1984. Currently, commercially available brand names for nicorandil include: Ikorel (in the United Kingdom, Australia, and most of Europe), Dancor (Switzerland), Zynicor (India), Aprior (Philippines), Sigmart (Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan), and Xindiping (Mainland China—Xi’an Hanfeng).

　　 Pharmacological effects: Anti‑anginal agent. This product belongs to the nitrate class of compounds and exerts effects by inhibiting intracellular calcium ion release, increasing the permeability of cell membranes to potassium ions, dilating coronary vessels, sustainably enhancing coronary blood flow, and suppressing coronary artery spasm. During coronary vasodilation, it does not affect blood pressure, heart rate, myocardial contractility, or myocardial oxygen consumption. Furthermore, this drug inhibits platelet aggregation, thereby preventing thrombus formation.