Inositol nicotinate is a compound made of niacin (vitamin B3) and inositol. Inositol occurs naturally in the body and can also be made in the laboratory.
Inositol nicotinate is used for blood circulation problems, including a painful response to cold, especially in the fingers and toes (Raynaud syndrome). It is also used for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Painful response to cold especially in the fingers and toes (Raynaud syndrome). Some research shows that taking a specific product of inositol nicotinate (Hexopal) by mouth for several weeks modestly improves symptoms of Raynaud syndrome.
- High levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). The effectiveness of inositol nicotinate for treating high cholesterol is unclear. Some research shows that inositol nicotinate can decrease cholesterol levels. But other research shows that inositol nicotinate does not have an effect.
- Leg pain during exercise due to poor blood flow (intermittent claudication). The effectiveness of inositol nicotinate for treating intermittent claudication is unclear. Some research shows that taking a specific inositol nicotinate product (Hexopal) by mouth for up to 3 months improves walking distance and reduces symptoms. But other research does not show this effect.
- Blood disorders of the brain.
- Migraine headache.
- Hardened skin (scleroderma).
- Insomnia.
- High blood pressure.
- A disorder that causes leg discomfort and an irresistible urge to move the legs (restless legs syndrome or RLS).
- Acne.
- Skin inflammation.
- Inflammation of the tongue (exfoliative glossitis).
- Psoriasis.
- Schizophrenia.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of inositol nicotinate for these uses.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Inositol nicotinate is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people. It can cause some side effects such as stomach upset, intestinal gas, and nausea. It might also cause liver damage like other niacin products in some people.
Some inositol nicotinate products are promoted as "no-flush" niacin because some people think they don't cause as much flushing as regular niacin. But this possible benefit has not been proven in research studies.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if inositol nicotinate is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Allergies: Inositol nicotinate is changed to niacin in the body. Niacin might make allergies worse by releasing histamine. This is the chemical that triggers allergy symptoms.
Chest pain (angina): Inositol nicotinate is changed to niacin in the body. Niacin should be used cautiously in people with angina.
Bleeding disorder: Inositol nicotinate might slow blood clotting. In theory, inositol nicotinate might increase the risk of bleeding and make bleeding disorders worse.
Diabetes: Inositol nicotinate is changed to niacin in the body. Niacin might increase blood sugar. People with diabetes who take inositol nicotinate or niacin should check their blood sugar carefully.
Gallbladder disease: Inositol nicotinate is changed to niacin in the body. Niacin might make gallbladder problems worse. Use with caution.
Gout: Inositol nicotinate is changed to niacin in the body. Large amounts of niacin might trigger gout. Use with caution.
Low blood pressure: Inositol nicotinate is changed to niacin in the body. Niacin can cause low blood pressure. Use with caution.
Kidney disease: Inositol nicotinate is changed to niacin in the body. Niacin might accumulate in people with kidney disease and make their condition worse. Don't use inositol nicotinate if you have kidney problems.
Liver disease: Inositol nicotinate is changed to niacin in the body. Niacin can cause liver damage. Don't use inositol nicotinate if you have liver disease.
Sensitivity to niacin: Inositol nicotinate is changed to niacin in the body. If you are sensitive to niacin, don't use inositol nicotinate.
Stomach ulcers: Inositol nicotinate is changed to niacin in the body. Large amounts of niacin might make peptic ulcer disease worse. Don't use inositol nicotinate if you have ulcers.
Surgery: Inositol nicotinate might slow blood clotting. There is some concern that it might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking inositol nicotinate at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Fatty deposits around tendons (tendon xanthomas): Inositol nicotinate is changed to niacin in the body. Niacin might increase the risk of infections in xanthomas.
Thyroid disorders: Inositol nicotinate is changed to niacin in the body. Niacin might lower blood levels of thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. This might worsen symptoms of certain thyroid disorders.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Long-term use of inositol nicotinate might increase blood sugar. Diabetes medications are used to lower blood sugar. By increasing blood sugar, inositol nicotinate might decrease the effectiveness of diabetes medications. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Inositol nicotinate might slow blood clotting. Taking inositol nicotinate along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Medications used for lowering cholesterol (Statins)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Inositol nicotinate is changed in the body to niacin. Niacin can affect the muscles. Some medication used for lowering cholesterol can also affect the muscles. Taking niacin along with some medications used for lowering high cholesterol might increase the risk of muscle problems.
Some medications used for high cholesterol include cerivastatin (Baycol), atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), and others.
Nicotine patch (Nicoderm)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Inositol nicotinate is broken down in the body to niacin. Niacin can sometimes cause flushing and dizziness. Nicotine patches can also cause flushing and dizziness. Taking inositol nicotinate and using a nicotine patch may increase the risk of flushing and dizziness.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Inositol nicotinate might slow blood clotting. Taking inositol nicotinate along with herbs that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Some of these herbs include angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, and others.
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
- General: Some dietary supplement products might not list inositol nicotinate separately on the label. Instead, it might be listed under niacin. Niacin is measured in niacin equivalents (NE). 1 mg of inositol nicotinate is the same as 1 mg NE.
- Painful response to cold especially in the fingers and toes (Raynaud syndrome): 4 grams daily has been used. It might take several weeks before effects are seen.
Hexaniacinate d'Inositol, Hexanicotinate d'Inositol, Hexanicotinate de Meso-Inositol, Hexanicotinyl cis-1,2,3-5-trans-4,6-cyclohexane, Hexanicotinoyl Inositol, Inositol Hexaniacinate, Inositol Hexanicotinate, Inositol Niacinate, Meso-Inositol Hexanicotinate, Myo-inositol hexa-3-pyridine-carboxyalte, Niacinate d'Inositol, Niacine Sans Rougissement, Nicotinate d'Inositol, Nicotinato de Inositol, No-Flush Niacin.
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