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Nicotinamide

  • Nicotinamide is also known as vitamin B3.
  • It is used in vitamin B3 deficiency, or to prevent it from occurring in people whose diet is inadequate.
  • Nicotinamide is unlikely to cause any side effects.

About nicotinamide

Type of medicine Vitamin
Used for Vitamin deficiency
Also called Vitamin B3
Available as Tablets

Nicotinamide is also known as vitamin B3. It is obtained from food, with the best natural sources being in meat, beans, wholemeal cereals, potatoes, yeast and fish. Nicotinamide is essential for a healthy skin and nervous system. Deficiency occurs when too little is absorbed from food due to an inadequate diet.

Symptoms of nicotinamide deficiency include rough and cracked skin particularly on areas exposed to the sun, inflammation of the mouth and tongue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, headache, tiredness, diarrhoea, depression, anxiety and dementia.

Before taking nicotinamide

Before taking nicotinamide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have ever had a stomach ulcer.
  • If you have diabetes, gout, or liver problems.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take nicotinamide

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take nicotinamide at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can nicotinamide cause problems?

This medicine is unlikely to cause any side effects. If however you experience any worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store nicotinamide

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3631		 DocRef:
dils3248		 Last Updated:
3 Jun 2008		 Date of Next Review:
3 Jun 2010		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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