Nicorandil & heartburn

[Blackcat99]

Hi, folks! After recent exacerbation of angina, the first medication prescribed caused massive giddiness so had to be changed. (Can’t remember name of first med and am away from home at present, so can’t check)

Now on Nicorandil 10 mg, half tablet twice daily, which seems to be working so far, and no giddiness problems. Some headache (fairly mild can be coped with), but main problem is heartburn, some during day but worse at night. Have tried varying time of taking it - before/after meals, etc., but nothing having much effect. Has anyone any tips on how to manage this, please?

[Hidden]

Well if I reply it might prompt others to do the same

I have also been taking Nicorandil (currently 15mg twice daily) for a recent diagnosis of angina , which was linked to my 'mild' HA four years ago . I get occasional chest discomfort (never pain) but also feel a bit bloated and burpy at times. Typically I get a few days of feeling uncomfortable a lot of the time then I'm OK for another few days. However my symptoms do not appear to be those of classic angina and it has now got me wondering whether I have got a worsening hiatus hernia rather than angina, especially since I am already being treated for reflux disease and have been taking a PPI (currently Lansoprazole) for over 20 years.

So my question to you is have you a history of 'indigestion' prior to your angina diagnosis? If you have, the additional drug may well be making that worse. So all I can suggest is you keep a food diary to see if any of your chest pains coincide with any eating particular foods or drinks and if they do you may have a secondary cause of your current problems, and can try avoiding foods and drink that upset you. Certainly I have list of stuff which I avoid as they are triggers for me for an upset stomach.

But if all else fails go and see your GP for a medication review. If the Nicorandil is working for your angina he may well prescribe a low dose PPI to settle your stomach down and help with your 'indigestion', although other solutions may be better.

[Blackcat99 in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks to both of you for very helpful replies, and my apologies for delayed response. I took a bad fall over some dodgy paving slabs while on a weekend break and have spent this week - and probably next week too - in hospital 300 miles from home! Wi-Fi not that great, so communications a bit problematic! Triple fracture of hip joint, had op yesterday so hopefully it’s now progress all the way, and I can get back to taking your advice re Nicorandil

Best wishes to you both, Janice

[Tricia7048]

That happened to me. I got put on the gtn patches which are much better for my stomach and work well for the angina! All the best.

[Blackcat99 in reply to Tricia7048]

Many thanks to both of you for very helpful replies, and my apologies for delayed response. I took a bad fall over some dodgy paving slabs while on a weekend break and have spent this week - and probably next week too - in hospital 300 miles from home! Wi-Fi not that great, so communications a bit problematic! Triple fracture of hip joint, had op yesterday so hopefully it’s now progress all the way, and I can get back to taking your advice re Nicorandil

Best wishes to you both! Janice

[Tricia7048]

Oh bless! That was a rotten thing to happen! Hope you can manage to be strong and get better day by day. We never know what's in front of us, do we?All.best wishes for you xx

[Blackcat99 in reply to Tricia7048]

Thanks, love - your sympathy is much appreciated! Staff here are lovely so I’m just letting them coddle me a little bit. Staff at Levens Hall have also been really nice - ‘phoning/texting to check on me and lady guide to whom we’d been chatting earlier in the day ‘phoned my husband and invited him to it a walk with her and her husband on Sunday, then join them for a family Easter meal ( he’d be hanging around in his own, otherwise) can’t people be just so kind!

[Tricia7048 in reply to Blackcat99]

It does indeed surprise that people can be so kind. Im glad they are looking after you so nicely! I was at hospital yesterday for an ultrasound and they were so attentive and kind with me!Just waiting for the results for at least a week because of holidays! Youve no worries now that your husband is being cared for too!

Hope you have a Happy Easter. Sending virtual hugs! Xx

[Blackcat99 in reply to Tricia7048]

Easter hugs to you too ! 🐣