Nicotinamide is the active form of niacin ( vitamin B 3 ), niacin is a water soluble vitamin, used in multivitamin preparations. It posses anti-inflammatory properties. It is used topically in the treatment of acne. It is also used to lower blood cholesterol and fat levels.
Indications
Nicotinamide is primarily indicated in conditions like Hartnup disease, Inflammatory skin disease, Vitamin deficiency.
Contraindications
Nicotinamide is contraindicated in conditions like Wilson's disease, Hypersensitivity to any component of product.
Side Effects
Nicotinamide produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hepatotoxicity, Cholestasis, Portal fibrosis. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Nicotinamide therapy. The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Nicotinamide include Transient liver dysfunctioning. The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Nicotinamide are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Fatigue, Nausea, Palpitation, Tachycardia, Sweating, Chills, Flushing, Heart burn, Faintness, Sore throat, Dry hair, Tautness of the Face, Inability of eye focusing, Edema, faintness, Dyspnea, Tachycardia, Sensation of Heat.
Warnings
Nicotinamide should be used with caution in patients with history of heart disease, high blood pressure or insulin-dependent diabetes. This is not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.
High Risk Groups
Drug should not be given to Pediatrics, Geriatrics, and Neonates. If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Adult Dosage
1.428 to 3.571 mg/kg (2.5 (2.4995)) 24 hourly IV — -
50 mg (50 (50)) 8 hourly PO — Frequency may be increased upto 10 times/day if needed.
Child Dosage
1 mg/kg (1 (1)) 24 hourly Oral — -
Neonatal Dosage
0.625 to 1.25 mg/kg (0.94 (0.9375)) 24 hourly Oral —
Drug Interactions
Nicotinamide is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementCarbamazepineCerivastatin SodiumCerivastatin sodium causes additive toxicity with NicotinamidePrimidonePrimidone These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
