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Niconic50 mg
Pacific Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
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Nicotinic Acid [Niacin]: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh
Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] is a form of vitamin B3 used for two distinct purposes depending on the dose: Niacin deficiency and pellagra (established use): prevention and treatment of dietary niacin…
About Nicotinic Acid [Niacin]
Indications of Nicotinic Acid [Niacin]
Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] is a form of vitamin B3 used for two distinct purposes depending on the dose:
- Niacin deficiency and pellagra (established use): prevention and treatment of dietary niacin deficiency, including pellagra (characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia), at nutritional/vitamin-range doses.
- Dyslipidemia (adjunct therapy) (established, prescription use): at pharmacologic doses, Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] is used as an adjunct to diet, and often in combination with other lipid-lowering agents, to reduce elevated LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides and raise HDL-cholesterol in patients with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia, including reducing the risk of pancreatitis in patients with very high triglycerides.
Use of Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] specifically for cardiovascular event reduction has declined in recent years because large outcome trials did not show additional cardiovascular benefit when Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] was added to statin therapy, and better-tolerated lipid-lowering options are now generally preferred; a physician should decide whether Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] is appropriate for a given patient.
Dosage & Administration of Nicotinic Acid [Niacin]
Dosing of Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] differs substantially depending on indication and must be individualized by a physician.
| Indication | Adult Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Niacin deficiency / pellagra | Typically 50–100 mg orally, 2–3 times daily (up to 500 mg/day in severe deficiency), as directed by a physician | Dose adjusted to clinical response |
| Dyslipidemia (adjunct) | Immediate-release: started low (e.g., 250 mg/day) and gradually titrated, typically up to 1.5–3 g/day in divided doses; Extended-release: usually started at 500 mg at bedtime and titrated up to a maintenance dose (commonly up to 1–2 g/day) | Slow titration reduces flushing and hepatotoxicity risk; do not switch abruptly between immediate-release and extended-release products without medical guidance |
Pediatric dosing of Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] for deficiency states should be individualized by weight/age under medical supervision; pharmacologic (lipid-lowering) doses of Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] are not established for routine pediatric use. See Use in Special Populations.
Side Effects of Nicotinic Acid [Niacin]
Common side effects of Nicotinic Acid [Niacin]:
- Flushing, warmth, itching, and tingling of the skin (very common, especially with immediate-release formulations; usually dose-related and diminishes over time).
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, diarrhea).
- Headache.
Less common but clinically important effects of Nicotinic Acid [Niacin]:
- Hepatotoxicity, including elevated liver enzymes (risk is higher with sustained-release formulations at high doses).
- Hyperglycemia (may worsen glycemic control in diabetes).
- Hyperuricemia, which may precipitate gout.
- Myopathy, particularly when combined with statins (see Interactions).
- Hypotension.
Contraindications of Nicotinic Acid [Niacin]
Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] is contraindicated in patients with:
- Known hypersensitivity to Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] or any component of the formulation.
- Active peptic ulcer disease.
- Significant or active hepatic (liver) disease, including unexplained persistent elevations in liver function tests.
- Active arterial bleeding/hemorrhage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nicotinic Acid [Niacin]
What is Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] used for?
Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] is used at nutritional doses to prevent or treat niacin deficiency (pellagra), and at higher, prescription (pharmacologic) doses as an adjunct treatment to help lower LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides and raise HDL-cholesterol in people with dyslipidemia.
Why does Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] cause flushing?
At pharmacologic doses, Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] causes skin blood vessels to dilate, producing warmth, redness, and itching known as flushing. This is very common, especially with immediate-release products, and often lessens with continued use; taking it with food or a physician-directed dose of aspirin beforehand can reduce it.
Can I take Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] if I have liver disease?
No. Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] is contraindicated in people with significant or active liver disease because it can be hepatotoxic, particularly at high or sustained-release doses. Periodic liver function testing is recommended during treatment with Nicotinic Acid [Niacin].
Is Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] safe during pregnancy?
Nutritional/dietary-supplement doses of Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] are considered safe in pregnancy since niacin is an essential nutrient. Higher, pharmacologic (prescription) doses of Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] used for cholesterol should be used only if clearly needed and if the benefit outweighs potential risk to the fetus; a physician should be consulted.
Can Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] be taken with a statin?
It can be, but combining Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] with a statin increases the risk of muscle problems, including myopathy and, rarely, rhabdomyolysis. Your doctor will monitor you closely if these medicines are combined.
What should I do if I take too much Nicotinic Acid [Niacin]?
Seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center. Overdose with Nicotinic Acid [Niacin] can cause pronounced flushing, low blood pressure, gastrointestinal upset, and, with high sustained doses, liver injury.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.