Chemistry:Inositol nicotinate
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| Trade names | Hexopal |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | International Drug Names |
| Routes of administration | oral |
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| Formula | C42H30N6O12 |
| Molar mass | 810.732 g·mol−1 |
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| Melting point | 255 °C (491 °F) |
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Inositol nicotinate, also known as inositol hexanicotinate or inositol hexaniacinate, is a compound of niacin (vitamin B3) and inositol. It is marketed in the United States as a "no-flush" form of niacin in dietary supplements.[1]
Mechanism of action
When ingested, inositol nicotinate breaks down into inositol and niacin. The niacin component helps widen blood vessels (vasodilation), lowers blood lipid levels (including cholesterol), and inhibits a protein involved in blood clotting.[1][2]
Uses
Inositol nicotinate is used to treat blood circulation problems, including:
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- Intermittent claudication
Some research shows it can improve symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon over several weeks. However, its effectiveness in treating other conditions like:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Leg pain during exercise (due to poor circulation)
remains unclear, with studies producing mixed results.[1][3]
Other proposed uses, such as for:
- Migraines
- Psoriasis
- Restless legs syndrome
have insufficient supporting evidence.[1]
Side effects
Inositol nicotinate is generally safe when taken by mouth, but possible side effects include:
- Stomach upset
- Intestinal gas
- Nausea
- Liver damage (similar to other niacin products)[1]
It is marketed as "no-flush" niacin, but research suggests that the lack of flushing may be due to its limited conversion to active niacin.[4]
Precautions
Inositol nicotinate should be used with caution in individuals with certain conditions:
- Diabetes: May raise blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar levels closely.[1]
- Liver disease or kidney disease: Niacin can accumulate in people with liver or kidney problems, potentially worsening their condition.[1]
- Bleeding disorders: Inositol nicotinate may slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding for individuals with clotting disorders or those undergoing surgery.[1]
- Gout: Large amounts of niacin may trigger gout attacks.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "Inositol Nicotinate". https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-742/inositol-nicotinate.
- ↑ "Niacin and inositol hexanicotinate for hyperlipidaemia and vascular disease: new data and new uses for an old drug". Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics 39 (1): 1–12. 2014.
- ↑ "Treatment of intermittent claudication with inositol nicotinate". The Practitioner 230 (1411): 49–54. January 1986. PMID 3513149.
- ↑ "Niacin: The facts on flushing". http://www.dpic.org/article/professional/niacin-facts-flushing.
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