Nicorandil (Ikorel-Rhône-Poulenc Rorer; Merck & Lipha) is marketed for the prevention and long-term treatment of angina pectoris. The drug, which has been used in Japan for about ten years, was introduced in the UK last year as the first of a new class of anti-anginal drug. Nicorandil combines the properties of an organic nitrate with those of a potassium-channel activator, causing dilatation of coronary arteries and arterioles, systemic resistance vessels and veins. The manufacturer claims that nicorandil is 'effective monotherapy for up to 80% of patients', that 'efficacy is sustained because haemodynamic tolerance does not occur' and that the drug 'frees patients from many of the limitations of earlier therapies'. We examine these claims.
尼可地尔（依可洛 - 罗纳 - 普朗克·罗瑞尔公司；默克与利法公司）用于心绞痛的预防和长期治疗。该药物在日本已使用约十年，去年作为新型抗心绞痛药物中的首个品种在英国上市。尼可地尔兼具有机硝酸盐和钾通道激活剂的特性，可使冠状动脉、小动脉、全身阻力血管及静脉扩张。制造商宣称，尼可地尔“对高达80%的患者是有效的单一疗法”，“疗效持久，因为不会出现血流动力学耐受性”，且该药物“使患者摆脱了早期疗法的诸多限制”。我们对这些说法进行研究。
