Niacinamide: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide or nicotinamide is a form of niacin or vitamin B3. Well-known for its role in the treatment of pellagra, researchers call it vitamin PP. We can synthesize Niacinamide from excess amounts of niacin or tryptophan in our bodies. As it is a water-soluble vitamin, the body can easily absorb it.
Niacinamide is an important ingredient in skin products because of its effectiveness in many skin conditions like hyperpigmentation and eczema.

What are the uses of Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is effective for:

  • Skin problems: Niacinamide stimulates keratin and collagen synthesis. This plays a pivotal role in reducing wrinkles, dark spots, acne, and pigmentation and suppresses photocarcinogenesis.
  • Diabetes: Many studies show that Niacinamide intake helps regulate insulin production in adults and children for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
  • Osteoarthritis: Intake of Niacinamide reduces swelling and pain in joints, which is a major concern for arthritis patients.
  • Hyperphosphatemia: Niacinamide helps reduce the high phosphate levels in the blood, which may have occurred because of kidney malfunction.

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    What are the side effects of Niacinamide?

    Topical application is completely safe and may not cause any skin problems for a healthy person. People with sensitive skin may face mild redness, itching, or a burning sensation.

    Overdose of Niacinamide has side effects like:

    Common side effects

    • Stomach upset.
    • Flatulence.
    • Redness, itching, or rashes.

    Adverse side effects

    • High glucose levels.
    • Liver problems.

    If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms or any medical emergency, consult your physician or our experts at Yashoda Hospitals.

    What is Niacinamide

    Uses of Niacinamide

    Side effects of Niacinamide

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Niacinamide

    Niacinamide serum works best for inflamed and pigmented skin. You should apply Niacinamide serum on the face with no makeup or creams. 5% Niacinamide serum shows the best results after regular use. Best time to use Niacinamide serum is early morning and at night.

    Niacinamide acts like an energy drink for the skin by protecting the skin cells from environmental stress such as pollution and sunlight. It also helps to reduce severe acne (esp. pustules and papules), pore size, inflammation, and many skin problems, in addition to improving skin texture.

    No, Niacinamide alone doesn't cause any purging of the skin. A product containing Niacinamide also contains other active ingredients like retinol, retinaldehyde, or AHAs, which can increase cellular turnover and shows signs of purging.

    Combining Niacinamide and vitamin C may not cause any problems in normal skin. But if your skin is sensitive, niacin flushing may occur. To avoid this complication, it is always best to use Niacinamide solution in the morning and vitamin C serum at night, or you can use them on alternate days.

    Niacinamide shows promising properties to diminish acne scars and blemishes. It can moisturize and increase the skin's smoothness. A combination of Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% is proven to reduce acne and excess oil from oily or acne-prone skin.

    Niacinamide and salicylic acid both have anti-acne, anti-aging properties and give UV protection to some extent. Along with it, Niacinamide acts as an excellent moisturizing agent, and salicylic acid can reduce excess oil from the skin. So, you can reap the benefits from Niacinamide and salicylic acid by applying them together.

    Using 5% or 10% Niacinamide-containing products show better effects with no skin problems like irritation. Most studies show that even though you may find improvement immediately after starting Niacinamide, it usually takes anywhere between 8-12 weeks for a visible change.

    Niacinamide stimulates collagen and keratin synthesis, which helps in maintaining healthy skin cells by increasing skin elasticity. Niacinamide acts as a humectant and antioxidant that helps lighten dark spots, reduce pore size over time, treat hyperpigmentation, redness, eczema, breakouts, and many skin conditions.

    Researchers found Niacinamide is an important ingredient in skin lightening, which works to stop the transfer of melanin pigment (responsible for the darkening of the skin) to skin cells (keratinocyte). Niacinamide decreases hyperpigmentation and lightens skin gradually after using it for a long duration.

    Taking a proper dosage of Niacinamide as directed by a physician may not cause any complications. As B vitamins are water-soluble, consuming too much of these nutrients is a rare occurrence. The daily recommended dietary allowances for men and women are 16mg NE and 14mg NE, respectively. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, it is 18mg NE and 17mg NE, respectively. Take a medical opinion and discuss your health problems before starting any medications.
    Consult the team of experts at Yashoda Hospitals for relevant medical advice.

    Clarithromycin is not generally recommanded for pregnant or breastfeeding women. But sometimes doctors consult the medicine for special condition. Always consult your doctor before consuming the dose under such conditions.

    Clarithromycin is an antibiotic medicine and can cause diarrhoea sometimes, so it's a sign of a new infection. If you are having diarrhoea during the course of the dose then consult your doctor immediately. Do not take any anti-diarrhoea medicine without consulting a specialist doctor.

    Taking an overdose of Clarithromycin is not safe. Always follow your physician's prescription for taking any dose of Clarithromycin and to avoid confusion ask them again before consuming the dose. Unfortunately, if you have taken an overdose, immediately call a medical emergency helpline or your hospital for help.

    If you forget to take the dose of Clarithromycin at your prescribed time then take the dose as soon as possible if it is not too late. Or if it is already closer to your next scheduled dose then take the next dose only.

    It is advised to check the manufacturing and expiry date of any medicine before consuming it. In case, if you have missed it and consumed an expired Clarithromycin tablet then immediately call a medical helpline or your hospital for emergency help as you may have some side effects.