A case of nicorandil‐induced unilateral corneal ulceration

• Published in: International wound journal Vol. 11; no. 3; pp. 238 - 239
• Main Authors: Trechot, Fanny, Batta, Benjamine, Petitpain, Nadine, Bazard, Marie C, Angioi, Karine, Trechot, Philippe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-06-2014
• Subjects: Aged; Case Report; Case Reports; Cataract - drug therapy; Chemically induced; Corneal ulcer; Corneal Ulcer - chemically induced; Female; Humans; Injuries; Nicorandil; Nicorandil - adverse effects; Nitric Oxide - therapeutic use; Vasodilator Agents - adverse effects; Corneal ulcer; Nicorandil; Injuries; Chemically induced
• ISSN: 1742-4801; 1742-481X
• DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12081

Nicorandil, a second‐generation nitro derivative, has been reported to induce single or multiple ulcerations in many locations, including oral, anal, perianal, vulvovaginal, perivulval, penile, gastrointestinal, colic, peristomal and skin locations. Ocular locations are now highly suspected. Herein, we report the case of a 78‐year‐old woman who experienced corneal ulceration at second cataract surgery (right eye) while being treated with nicorandil for 3 years. Four years before, she had had an uneventful first cataract surgery (left eye). The ulcers healed within 6 weeks after simple withdrawal of nicorandil, an expected delay for this type of chemical ulcer. The substitution of nicorandil with classic nitric oxide donors has already been done without complication. Surgical intervention is unnecessary and inappropriate. Case reports of ocular side effects induced by nicorandil are rare and probably underestimated.