Overview
Indication of Nicotinic Acid:
Nicotinic acid is predominantly used for the treatment of pellagra (lack of nicotinic acid usually due to inadequate dietary intake).
It may also be used for the as an adjunct in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia (high cholesterol and lipids in the blood).
This drug can also be used as a vasodilator (dilates blood vessels to improve circulation) in the treatment of Menieres disease and peripheral vascular disorders such as chilblains and frostbite.
Action of Nicotinic Acid:
Nicotinic acid is normally derived from the diet and serves as a coenzyme to metabolise a large number of proteins that catalyse oxidation-reduction reactions that are essential for tissue respiration.
Common side effects of Nicotinic Acid:
flushing
skin rash with exfoliation
pigmentation
decreased glucose tolerance (important for diabetics)
Uncommon side effects of Nicotinic Acid:
headache
heat sensation
low blood pressure
rashes
nausea
vomiting
diarrhoea
heartburn
flatulence
nervousness
gout
toxic amblyopia
For further information talk to your doctor.
Dose advice of Nicotinic Acid:
Pellagra:
- 500mg/day
- Prophylaxis (15-50mg/day)Hypercholesterolaemia/Hypertriglyceridaemia:
- 250mg three times daily initially.
- Increase dosage every fourth day by 250mg until a daily dose of 3-4.5g is achieved.Vasodilatation:
- 100-150mg three to fives times daily.
