About nicotinic acid
Vitamin B3; lipid-lowering agent
Used for
- Treats niacin deficiency (pellagra).
- May lower triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol; lipid use is limited by side effects and lack of proven added heart benefit.
Usual adult dose
For deficiency, commonly 300 mg daily in divided doses. Lipid-lowering doses are individually prescribed and increased gradually.
Usual dose in children
For deficiency, dosing is based on age and weight; clinician-directed. Not routinely used for children’s cholesterol.
Common side effects
- Flushing, warmth, itching, or tingling
- Nausea, stomach upset, or diarrhea
- Headache or dizziness
- Raised blood sugar or liver injury
Important warnings
- Sustained-release forms can harm the liver; do not substitute formulations without medical guidance.
- Liver disease, heavy alcohol use, gout, diabetes, and stomach ulcers require caution.
- Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, yellow skin, dark urine, or allergic symptoms.
- High-dose treatment needs monitoring of liver tests, glucose, and uric acid.
Pregnancy
Use for deficiency only when needed; high doses for cholesterol are generally avoided during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Nutritional amounts are compatible; safety of high-dose treatment is uncertain.
Interactions
- Statins may increase muscle injury risk.
- Alcohol and hot drinks can worsen flushing.
- Blood-pressure medicines may increase dizziness or low blood pressure.
- Bile-acid resins can reduce absorption; separate doses.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.