Nicotinamide or niacinamide is a supplement to prevent and treat vitamin B3 deficiency . One of the conditions that can occur due to a deficiency or lack of vitamin B3 is pellagra . Nicotinamide is available in tablet and gel form.
Nicotinamide is a vitamin B3 derivative . The need for nicotinamide can be fulfilled if you regularly eat meat, fish, nuts, milk, eggs and vegetables.
According to a number of studies, nicotinamide has anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, nicotinamide can also be used in the treatment of acne. However, further research is needed to prove the effectiveness of nicotinamide for treating acne.
Nicotinamide trademarks: Cebevit Plus, Kal Multiple E, Maltiron Gold, Noros, Pronamil
What is Nicotinamide
| class | Free medicine |
| Category | Vitamin supplements |
| Benefit | Prevent and treat vitamin B3 deficiency or treat acne |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Nicotinamide for pregnant and lactating women |
Category N: Not yet categorized.
Nicotinamide can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use nicotinamide without first consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets and gel (topical medication) |
Warning Before Using Nicotinamide
There are several things that you should pay attention to before using nicotinamide, including:
- Consult your doctor first before using nicotinamide. Do not use nicotinamide if you are allergic to it.
- Consult your doctor about using nicotinamide supplements if you have or have ever had diabetes , heart rhythm disturbances, Crohn's disease, liver disease, stomach ulcers , gallbladder disease, hypotension , gout disease, thyroid disease , or kidney disease.
- Talk to your doctor about using nicotaminde supplements if you are taking other medications, including herbal remedies and supplements.
- Talk to your doctor about using nicotinamide if you are pregnant, nursing or planning a pregnancy.
- Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages while you are taking nicotinamide supplements, because they can increase the risk of liver damage.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction or an overdose after using a supplement containing nicotinamide.
Dosage and Rules for Use Nicotinamide
The following is the dosage of nicotinamide based on the form and intended use:
Purpose: Overcome vitamin B3 deficiency
Form: Tablets
- Adults and children: 100–300 mg per day divided into several consumption schedules.
Purpose: Overcoming acne
Form: Gel 4%
- Adults and children: Apply to pimples 2 times a day. Dosage can be reduced to once daily if you experience dry, irritated, or peeling skin.
Nicotinamide Nutrition Adequacy Figures
Nicotinamide does not yet have a fixed daily nutritional allowance (RDA). However, nicotinamide is a derivative of vitamin B3. The upper intake limits for vitamin B3 are as follows:
- Age 0–5 months: 2 mg
- Age 6–11 months: 4 mg
- Ages 1–3 years: 6 mg
- Ages 4–6 years: 8 mg
- Ages 7–9 years: 10 mg
- Ages 10–12 years: 12 mg
- Male ≥13 years old: 16 mg
- Women aged ≥13 years: 14 mg
- Pregnant women: 18 mg
- Breastfeeding mothers: 17 mg
How to Use Nicotinamide Properly
Keep in mind that vitamin and mineral supplements are consumed to meet the body's need for vitamins and minerals, especially when the intake of vitamins and minerals from food alone is insufficient.
If you are experiencing a special medical condition, consult your doctor to get the dosage, product type, and duration of use according to your condition.
If you are taking nicotinamide tablets, they should be taken while eating. However, avoid taking nicotinamide with spicy foods and warm drinks.
To use nicotinamide gel, wash your hands thoroughly first. Clean the area of the skin with acne with face wash and clean water, then dry. Do not let nicotinamide gel come into contact with or enter certain areas of the body, such as the eyes or mouth.
Store nicotinamide in a place protected from direct sunlight. Keep this supplement out of reach of children.
Nicotinamide Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are a number of interactions that can occur if nicotinamide tablets are taken with other drugs:
- Decrease the effectiveness of allopurinol or probenecid and exacerbate gout conditions
- Decreased body's ability to break down carbamazepine or primidone
- Reduction in blood pressure when taken with clonidine
- Decreased effectiveness of antidiabetic drugs
- Decreased effectiveness of nicotinamide and increased risk of muscle disorders when taken with anti-cholesterol drugs
Nicotinamide Side Effects and Dangers
If used according to the recommended dosage, supplements containing nicotinamide rarely cause side effects. However, if consumed in excess, nicotinamide tablets may cause side effects such as dizziness , stomach pain, or bloating .
In addition, nicotinamide in gel form can cause side effects in the form of dry skin , irritation, or peeling skin. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction after using a product that contains nicotinamide.