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 deficiency of vitamin B3 is pellagra. Nicotinamide is available in tablet and gel form.
Nicotinamide is a vitamin B3 derivative. Nicotinamide needs can be fulfilled if you regularly eat meat, fish, nuts, milk, eggs, and vegetables.
According to a number of studies, nicotine has an anti-inflammatory effect. 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 trademark: Cebevit Plus, Kal Multiple E, Maltiron Gold, Noros, Pronamil
What is Nicotinamide
| group | 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 categorized. Nicotinamide can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use nicotinamide without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets and gels (ointments) |
Precautions Before Using Nicotinamide
There are several things 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 this ingredient.
- Talk to your doctor about taking nicotinamide supplements if you have or have ever had diabetes, heart rhythm disorders, Crohn's disease, liver disease, stomach ulcers, gallbladder disease, hypotension, gout, thyroid disease, or kidney disease.
- Talk to your doctor about taking nicotamine supplements if you are taking other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements.
- Talk to your doctor about using nicotinamide if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages while you are taking nicotinamide supplements, as they can increase the risk of liver damage.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after using a supplement containing nicotinamide.
Nicotinamide Dosage and Usage
The following is a dosage of nicotinamide based on its form and intended use:
Purpose: Overcoming vitamin B3 deficiency
Shape: Tablet
- Adults and children: Dosage 100–300 mg per day which can be divided into several consumption schedules.
Purpose: Overcoming acne
Shape: 4% gel
- Adults and children: Apply to pimples 2 times a day. The dose can be reduced to 1 time a day if you experience dry, irritated, or peeling skin.
Nicotinamide Nutritional Adequacy Rate
Nicotinamide does not yet have a fixed daily nutritional adequacy rate (RDA). However, nicotinamide is a derivative of vitamin B3. The upper limits of intake for vitamin B3 are as follows:
- 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 age 13 years: 16 mg
- Female aged 13 years: 14 mg
- Pregnant women: 18 mg
- Breastfeeding mothers: 17 mg
How to Use Nicotinamide Correctly
Keep in mind that vitamin and mineral supplements are taken to meet the body's need for vitamins and minerals, especially when the intake of vitamins and minerals from food alone is not enough.
If you are experiencing a special medical condition, consult your doctor to get the dose, type of product, and duration of use that suits your condition.
If you are taking nicotinamide tablets, it is best to take them with a meal. However, avoid taking nicotinamide with spicy foods and warm drinks.
To use nicotinamide gel, wash your hands thoroughly first. Clean the acne-prone skin area with face wash and clean water, then pat dry. Do not let the nicotinamide gel come into contact with or enter certain areas of the body, such as the eyes or mouth.
Store nicotinamide in a place away from direct sunlight. Keep this supplement out of reach of children.
Nicotinamide Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some interactions that may occur if nicotinamide tablets are taken with other medicines:
- Decrease the effectiveness of allopurinol or probenecid and worsen the condition of gout
- Decreased ability of the body to break down carbamazepine or primidone
- Decrease 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 anticholesterol drugs
Nicotinamide Side Effects and Dangers
If used according to the recommended dosage, supplements containing nicotinamide rarely cause side effects. However, if taken in excess, nicotinamide tablets may cause side effects such as dizziness, stomach pain, or bloating.
In addition, nicotinamide gel form can cause side effects such as dry skin, irritation, or peeling skin. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction after using a product containing nicotinamide.