Nicorandil Antihypertensives

From a clinical perspective, some of these PCO classes have attracted initial attention. Diazoxide and minoxidil have been evaluated as antihypertensive agents. These PCOs open K+ channels in the plasma membranes of vascular smooth muscle cells, causing vascular vasodilation, thereby lowering blood pressure. Cromakalim has been investigated as a smooth muscle bronchodilator for the treatment of human asthma. Nicorandil was launched in Japan in 1984 for the treatment of angina because of its perceived ability to promote vasodilation of coronary arteries. Developmental work on these and other PCOs is continuing for indications ranging from hypertension, asthma, urinary incontinence, psychosis, epilepsy, pain, and alopecia (hair loss). 

Nicorandil, diazoxide etc. (For details see chapter on Antihypertensive drugs ... 

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