Nicotinic Acid
Also known as: Niacin
Nicotinic Acid is a pyridine-3-carboxylic acid. It has identical propeties as vitamin. Nicotinic Acid is also called as a vitamin B7. In 1867 nicotic acid was synthesized by the oxidation of nicotine with nitric acid. Nicotinic Acid is involved in tissue respiration, energy production for the body and fat metabolism. It has relaxant effect on blood vessels. Nicotinic Acid is used to treat reduced peripheral circulation. It lowers the blood cholesterol and fat levels. Deficiency causes pellegra, with dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. The sources are poultry, meats, fish, potatoes, legumes and some green leafy vegetables.
Primary Characteristics
Nicotinic Acid is also known as Niacin.
It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Pyridine.
It belongs to Lipid lowering agents pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antilipemic Agent pharmacological group.
Molecular Weight: 123.1 · pKa: 2.0, 4.8 · Solubility in Water: soluble · Solubility in Alcohol: In boiling alcohol · Non-proprietary name: Nicotinic Acid.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Nicotinic Acid has an oral bioavailability is 92.5% (±2.5%), pre-systemic (first-pass) metabolism accounts for 80% (±10%).
Distribution: Nicotinic Acid has a plasma protein binding is 22.5 %.
Elimination: it is metabolised via extensive by Liver, plasma half-life is 45 min, renal excretion is Unchanged in urine.
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Indications
Nicotinic Acid is primarily indicated in conditions like Hypercholesterolaemia, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertriglyceridaemia, Pellagra.
Nicotinic Acid is also indicated for secondary conditions like Acne.
Contraindications
Nicotinic Acid is contraindicated in conditions like Diabetes mellitus, Gout, Peptic ulcer.
Dosage
Nicotinic Acid's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 1.5 g | 1.5 g | — | At bed time,Maintanance dose. | |
| 437.5 mg | 437.5 mg | — | Initial doses at night. | |
| 5 % | 5 % | — | Topical | For Acne. |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Nicotinic Acid in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Urticaria , Jaundice , Jaundice , Hyperuricemia, Cramps , Myalgia , Blurred vision , Acanthosis nigricans, Ichthyosis , Toxic amblyopia , Atrial arrhythmias, Elevated serum aspartate transaminase, Elevated serum creatine kinase.
Nicotinic Acid produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hepatitis , Hepatic failure, Hepatic fibrosis. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Nicotinic Acid are Flushing, Headache, Pruritus .
Nicotinic Acid is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Bloating , Diarrhea, Faintness , Flushing, Gastric irritation, Hypotension , Vomiting .
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.12.6 — Lipid-regulating drugs /Anti-atheromas
- 2.27 — Vitamins, minerals, tonics, and other susbstances