Niacinamide: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Uses

What is niacinamide for?

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a vitamin commonly used to treat or prevent vitamin B deficiency and maintain healthy skin. This vitamin is a derivative of vitamin B3 or niacin.

This component can be found in many types of food, including meat, fish, milk, eggs, vegetables, and nuts. Additionally, niacinamide is a vitamin that is also available in supplement form.

In addition to treating vitamin B3 deficiency and skin problems, niacinamide is a vitamin that has the function of treating the following conditions.

• acne
• arthritis
• rosacea
• eczema
• muscle spasms or spasms
• depression
• osteoarthritis
• diabetes
• motion sickness
• alcohol dependence
• buildup of fluid in the body (edema)
• schizophrenia
• Alzheimer's disease

Instead, prioritize getting niacinamide from food ingredients. However, for some health conditions, your doctor will recommend taking additional niacinamide in supplement form.

How is niacinamide used?

Niacinamide is a drug that is available in oral and topical forms. Follow the medication rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Oral medicine

Oral niacinamide in tablet, capsule, caplet, or pill form should not be crushed or crushed. This is because destroying the drug without a doctor's instructions can affect the performance and function of niacinamide.

If you really have trouble swallowing the drug without crushing it first, consult this with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to prescribe other drug options, such as liquid drugs or tablets that can be dissolved in water.

Topical medication

Make sure you wash your hands and clean the skin area first before using niacinamide in topical form.

Before applying it, it's best to wait until the skin is completely dry after cleaning. Use finger, cotton bud, or a sterile cotton swab to dispense a small amount of the drug and then apply it lightly to the skin.

Avoid exposure to heat after using this medicine. Wash your hands immediately after using this medicine to prevent accidental eye contact. In order to get maximum results, use this drug regularly and according to the directions for use.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or gets worse or if you have new symptoms. Do not use this medication for more than the recommended dose, for less, or for longer than the recommended dosage.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store this drug?

Niacinamide is a drug that is best stored at room temperature. Keep away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Avoid flushing this medication down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when the drug has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of niacinamide for adults?

Oral
Nicotinic acid deficiency treatment and prophylaxis
Adults: Up to 500 mg daily in divided doses. Can be given by IM or slow IV injection. It can also be given by IM or by slow IV injection.

Topical / Cutaneous
Inflammation of mild to moderate acne
Adults: 4% gel: apply a small amount, reduce to once daily or on another day if irritation occurs.

What is the dose of niacinamide for children?

There is no provision for the dosage of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is this drug available?

Niacinamide is available in the following dosages.

Tablet, Oral: 100 mg, 500 mg.

Cream, Topical: 4%

Gel, Topical: 4%

Side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to niacinamide?

According to WebMD, some of the side effects of niacinamide are:

• nausea
• gag
• swelling of the arms or legs
• dark urine or stool
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• dizzy

Seek immediate medical help if you develop signs of a severe (anaphylactic) allergic reaction, with symptoms such as:

• swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
• skin rash
• itchy rash
• difficulty breathing

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Precautions

What should be known before using niacinamide?

Before using this drug,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to this or any other medicine.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you use, including vitamins.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using this medicine, call your doctor.

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

This medicine is considered a pregnancy riskcategory C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is equivalent to the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) in Indonesia. The following is an explanation of the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A: It's not risky
• B: No risk in some studies
• C: It might be risky
• D: There is positive evidence of risk
• X: Contraindicated
• N: Not known

In addition, there is insufficient information about the safety of using this medicine in breastfeeding mothers. However, it is very likely that this drug can be absorbed into breast milk and taken by the baby.

Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with niacinamide?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

The following are drugs that may interact with niacinamide:

• warfarin
• carbamazepine
• primidone
• acetaminophen (paracetamol)
• fluconazole
• isoniazid
• phenytoin
• lovastatin
• simvastatin
• methyldopa

Can food or alcohol interact with niacinamide?

Avoid taking niacinamide when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions with these drugs to occur.

Always talk to your doctor, medical team, or pharmacist about using your medication with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, in particular:

• Peptic ulcer
• Liver disease
• Gall bladder disease
• DM
• Gout
• Bleeding problems

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, call the ambulance service (118 or 119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Do not use this drug in double doses.