A Case of Nicolandil Induced Severe Oral Ulceration

Abstract

A Japanese 86-year-old man with a 2-year history of a painful ulcer on buccal mucosa and lip was treated. Histopathological examination of his lip ulcer revealed non-specific ulceration and granulation tissue. Although anti-desmoglein 1 and anti-desmoglein 3 antibodies were positive in his serum, a direct immunofluorescence examination showed negative results. Because he had been receiving 7.5 mg nicolandil daily for the previous 11 years, we suspected nicolandil-induced oral ulcer. After stopping nicolandil administration, the ulceration of the buccal mucosa and lip rapidly healed within 3 weeks and there was no recurrence in 6 months of follow-up. Oral ulceration caused by nicorandil has been reported in the dental field; however, many dermatologists are still unaware of this association. Nicolandil-induced oral ulceration should be considered in the differential diagnosis and management of intractable oral ulcer.