Nicotinic Acid
About
Nicotinic Acid belongs to the group of vitamin supplements primarily used to treat niacin (Vitamin B3) deficiency, which can happen due to a disease called pellagra, alcoholism or the use of certain drugs. It is used in the treatment of high cholesterol, and atherosclerotic heart disease. It is also used to reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Nicotinic Acid is composed of 'Nicotinic Acid' that works by controlling the levels of lipids/fats in the blood, thereby being effective in bringing down high cholesterol and also in promoting heart health by preventing the harmful effects of fats and lipids on the heart.
In some cases, Nicotinic Acid may cause certain very occasional side effects such as flushing of the face, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and cough. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects consistently.
Inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of the components of Nicotinic Acid. Consult your doctor before using Nicotinic Acid during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you have peptic ulcer disease, arterial bleeding, unstable angina, diabetes, liver or kidney problems.
Uses of Nicotinic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Nicotinic Acid is a vitamin supplement. It contains Nicotinic acid. Nicotinic Acid is used to address niacin deficiency which happens as a result of disease, drugs or alcoholism. It is used in the treatment of pellagra, which happens because of nicotinic acid deficiency. Additionally, Nicotinic Acid is used to treat various heart conditions from the harmful effects of cholesterol/lipids/fats in the blood, and to protect cardiac health. Nicotinic Acid inhibits a certain type of lipase in fat tissues. This in turn reduces the breakdown of triglycerides to free, circulating fatty acids and also reduces the transport of these fatty acids to the liver, thereby reducing the total lipid content in the blood and also being effective in treating high blood cholesterol. Nicotinic Acid thus finds application in the treatment of high cholesterol, and atherosclerotic heart disease. It is also used in the prevention of heart attacks.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Nicotinic Acid
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flushing of the face
- Diarrhoea
- Cough
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of the components of Nicotinic Acid. Please inform your doctor if you suffer from active liver disease, gout, glaucoma, acanthosis nigricans (a skin condition seen in diabetics and PCOS patients), peptic ulcer disease, arterial bleeding, diabetes, renal failure, hypothyroidism, any myopathies (muscle diseases) and unstable angina. Consult your doctor before using Nicotinic Acid during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Nicotinic Acid may interact with statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin), bile acid sequestrants (colestipol, cholestyramine), antihypertensives (ramipril, enalapril) and blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, apixaban).
Drug-Food Interactions: Nicotinic Acid may interact with Ginkgo Biloba, garlic and saw palmetto.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Nicotinic Acid should be used with caution in case of active liver disease, gout, glaucoma, acanthosis nigricans (a skin condition seen in diabetics and PCOS patients), peptic ulcer disease, arterial bleeding, diabetes, renal failure, hypothyroidism, any myopathies (muscle diseases) and unstable angina.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionNicotinic Acid should be used with caution with alcohol as there may be an interaction. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionNot enough studies have been done on pregnant women. Nicotinic Acid should be used with caution in pregnancy and only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Breast Feeding
cautionNicotinic Acid should be used with caution in nursing mothers. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Driving
cautionNicotinic Acid commonly has no effects on driving. However, do not drive if you experience any side effects such as dizziness.
Liver
cautionNicotinic Acid should be used with caution in those with pre-existing liver disease. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Kidney
cautionNicotinic Acid should be used with caution in those with pre-existing kidney disease. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Children
cautionNot enough information is available on whether Nicotinic Acid is safe for use in children below 12 years of age. Please consult your physician.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Limit the intake of salt in your diet.
- Cut back on foods that are high in fat and cholesterol. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods.
- Opt for plenty of green leafy vegetables and seasonal fruits.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Doing weight-bearing exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, tennis or even dance can be very useful in promoting overall physical health. However, do not over-exert yourself if you feel too tired.
- Muscle training activities such as yoga and Pilates can also be very helpful in protecting the heart.
- Avoid stress, try meditation and psychotherapy to reduce stress and to take care of your mental health.
Special Advise
- Please know that your doctor may advise blood tests to check your blood sugar levels while you are on Nicotinic Acid.
- Your doctor may order liver function tests (LFT’s) and test for liver enzymes before and during treatment with Nicotinic Acid as it can have an effect on liver enzymes.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pellagra: Pellagra is a disease caused by Vitamin B3 (niacin/nicotinic acid) deficiency. It causes dementia, dermatitis and diarrhoea. It happens due to malnutrition or malabsorption.
Hypercholesterolaemia: Hypercholesterolaemia refers to high blood cholesterol. A lipid profile helps in diagnosing this disorder. Cholesterol is a type of lipid that moves through the blood vessels. LDL, VLDL and HDL are three types of lipids whose concentrations are revealed in a lipid profile, in addition to the levels of total cholesterol.
Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is the buildup of lipids/fats and cholesterol in the walls of the arteries, impeding the free flow of blood. Symptoms include lethargy, difficulty in breathing, sudden weakness or numbness in the limbs, slurred speech, drooping of the eyes etc.
FAQs
Nicotinic Acid works by supplying the body with an active form of Vitamin B3 and by keeping blood cholesterol and blood lipid levels in check.
In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, revert to your original schedule. Never take a double dose.
Nicotinic Acid is very useful in the prevention of a heart attack, in conjunction with other medicines that will be prescribed by your cardiologist. A heart attack is multi-factorial. It is also a medical emergency for which you will need expert prescription and medical care. In case you experience any symptoms of a heart attack, please rush to the hospital.
Nicotinic Acid should be used with caution in conjunction with any antihypertensives. Consult your doctor before use.
Consult your doctor before taking Nicotinic Acid with bile acid sequestrants. If prescribed, use any bile acid sequestrants 4-6 hours before taking Nicotinic Acid as the former has a high niacin-binding capacity and can interfere severely with the metabolism of Nicotinic Acid, reducing its therapeutic effects.
