ABSTRACT
This is a new class of antianginal drugs. The prototype agent, nicorandil, is a useful antianginal agent. Potassium channel openers act by enhancing the open state of membrane potassium channels in smooth muscle cells, thus causing an efflux of potassium from within the cell to the extracellular space. This has the effect of hyperpolarizing the cell membrane and thereby producing relaxation of the vascular myocyte. Nicorandil is thought to act in this manner. Other drugs (minoxidil, diazoxide) are thought to act by inhibition of ATP-dependent potassium channels.
