[Nicorandil-associated anal ulceration].
BACKGROUND
Nicorandil is a potassium-channel activator used in the treatment of angina pectoris. The first cases of anal ulcerations induced by nicorandil were published in 2002.


METHODS
A 71-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of anal ulcerations occurring within a few months of initiation of treatment with Nicorandil. Histological tests on a biopsy sample showed granulation tissue with non-specific chronic inflammation. Nicorandil was stopped and this resulted in complete healing of the ulcers after three months.


CONCLUSIONS
Nicorandil can induce chronic and extensive anal ulcerations. The pathogenesis is unknown. Patients are usually treated with high doses of nicorandil. Dermatologists should be aware of this rare side-effect which heals after withdrawal of the drug.
Rival
A-L
AL
Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, place d'Arsonval, 69437 Lyon Cedex 03.
Allombert-Blaise
C
C
Ly
A
A
Grandjean
J-P
JP
Faure
M
M
Claudy
A
A
D000368:Aged; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001004:Anus Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020108:Nicorandil / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014456:Ulcer / Q000139:chemically induced*
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D020108:Nicorandil