Niacinamide
Introduction To Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a medicine used in the treatment of conditions caused due to low levels of vitamin B3 in the body. It reduces the cholesterol levels to normal. It also helps in the treatment of symptoms like loss of appetite, weakness, diarrhea, skin inflammation, and mental changes.
Niacinamide is best taken with or after food as this helps your body absorb it. It should be taken regularly and at the same time each day to get the most benefit from it. This medicine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes making changes to your diet and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Learn about the foods you should eat to make sure you get enough vitamins in your diet.
This medicine may cause a few side effects such as nausea, headache, dry hair, heartburn, and sore throat in some patients. If you experience any of this that do not resolve on their own or get worse, let your doctor know.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have any heart, kidney, or liver disease. Some other medicines can decrease the absorption of vitamins, so let your doctor know all other medicines you are taking to make sure you are safe. It is important to ask the advice of your doctor before taking any other vitamin supplements.
Uses of Niacinamide
- Treatment of Nutritional deficiencies
Benefits of Niacinamide
Treatment of Nutritional deficiencies
Niacinamide is a supplement of vitamin B3. It is used in the treatment of
conditions caused due to low levels of vitamin B3 in the body. These include
high triglycerides and cholesterol levels, appetite loss, weakness, diarrhea,
and mental changes. Take it in the exact dose and duration as prescribed by
your doctor for maximum benefits.
Side effects of Niacinamide
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Nia
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dry hair
- Heartburn
- Sore throat
How to use Niacinamide
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow
it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Niacinamide is to be taken with
food.
Avoid Niacinamide with fiber-rich food such as wheat, corn, rice bran, avacado
and papaya.
How Niacinamide works
Niacinamide provides essential nutrients.
Quick tips
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Niacinamide is given to improve the level of vitamin B3 and to any treat nutritional deficiencies.
-
In order to maximize absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) upset, it is advisable to take it with a low-fat and carb meal or snack.
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Inform your doctor if you have severe kidney or liver disease before taking Niacinamide.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Niacinamide if I’m pregnant?
Niacinamide may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Niacinamide if I’m breastfeeding?
Niacinamide is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
AlcoholCAUTION
Is drinking alcohol while taking Niacinamide safe?
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Niacinamide. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingSAFE
Can I drive after taking Niacinamide?
Niacinamide does not usually affect your ability to drive.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Niacinamide if I have/had kidney diseases?
Niacinamide should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Niacinamide may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Niacinamide if I have/had liver diseases?
Niacinamide should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Niacinamide may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Niacinamide?
What is it used for? Niacinamide is a medicine used in the treatment of conditions caused due to low levels of vitamin B3 in the body. It reduces the cholesterol levels to normal. It also helps in the treatment of symptoms like loss of appetite, weakness, diarrhea, skin inflammation and mental changes.
Q. Is Niacinamide effective?
Niacinamide is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Niacinamide too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
Q. How should Niacinamide be taken?
Niacinamide should be taken in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day to avoid the chances of missing a dose.
Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Niacinamide?
If you forget a dose of Niacinamide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.
Q. Is Niacinamide safe?
Niacinamide is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.
References
ScienceDirect. Niacinamide. [Accessed 05 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
[Niacinamide. Cranbury, New Jersey: Kos Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Accessed 05 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2005/020381s023lbl.pdf)
Drugs.com. Niacinamide. [Accessed 05 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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