Nicorandil-induced tongue ulceration with or without fungal infection

Oral ulceration is one of the common adverse effects of nicorandil in European countries. In Japan, however, only 9 cases of nicorandil-induced oral ulceration have been reported. Here, we report 3 cases of nicorandil-induced oral ulceration, one of which exhibited a unique clinical course associated with Candida infection. In this case, the initial discontinuation of nicorandil failed to ameliorate the lesion. However, the second discontinuation of the drug after the control of the Candida infection overlying the surface of the ulcer produced a favorable effect. This patient was diagnosed with nicorandil-induced tongue ulceration with Candida infection.