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Nicotinamide

Nicotinamide
Used for Nutritional Deficiency
Used for Nutritional Deficiency

Nicotinamide multivitamin is a prescription dietary supplement made up of a combination of nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and other vitamins and minerals. It's available as many different brand-name products, and they can contain different ingredients or strengths.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 8, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostPricesMedicare
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What is Nicotinamide multivitamin?

What is Nicotinamide multivitamin used for?

  • Dietary supplement

How Nicotinamide multivitamin works

Nicotinamide multivitamin is a dietary supplement that's a combination of nicotinamide and multiple vitamins and supplements that help support your overall health.

  • Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3. It helps turn food into energy for your body. It's also important for cell function and development.

  • Other vitamins and minerals are needed for several processes in your body to work properly.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNicotinamide, Nicomide, Nicadan, Nicazel
Drug ClassDietary supplement
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$622.55(save 72.46%)
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$171.47
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What are the side effects of Nicotinamide multivitamin?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

Possible side effects from higher doses of nicotinamide:

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reaction: rash; hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Liver damage: severe stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Nicotinamide multivitamin

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Pros

Combines multiple vitamins and minerals into one pill

Most nicotinamide multivitamins only need to be taken once per day.

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Cons

Difficult to customize the dose since each brand is a fixed combination of several vitamins and supplements

Requires a prescription unlike most over-the-counter multivitamins

Risk of liver damage with high doses of nicotinamide (vitamin B3)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Nicotinamide multivitamin

pharmacist

  • For your safety, let your pharmacist and provider know about all of the medications you take before starting nicotinamide multivitamins. This includes all prescription and over-the-counter medications, including herbal supplements and other vitamins. Nicotinamide multivitamins contain many ingredients, so it's important to make sure your medications are safe to take together and don't interact with each other.

    • Most nicotinamide multivitamins can be taken with or without food. Some brands, like Nicadan, might specifically tell you to take it with food. Refer to the label on your prescription bottle or ask your pharmacist if you're not sure if you need to take your multivitamin with or without food.

      • Don't split or break your nicotinamide multivitamin in half unless you're told to do so by your provider. Some brands, such as Nicadan, are scored so they're safe to break in half if needed for your dose. Ask your pharmacist to make sure if you can safely split your multivitamin in half or not.

        • Don't drink alcohol with nicotinamide multivitamin because this combination can raise your risk for liver damage.

          • Nicotinamide multivitamin can potentially raise your uric acid levels, which can sometimes lead to gout. Contact your provider if you're having sudden pain in your joints because this could be a sign of gout.

            • Let your provider know if you have or have had diabetes. Niacin, which is closely related to niacinamide, might raise blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar regularly. If you're taking your diabetes medications as prescribed but your blood sugar levels are higher than usual, let your healthcare provider know.

              • Nicotinamide multivitamins are typically stored at room temperature in a cool and dry place. Keep the container tightly closed and away from children at all times. Some nicotinamide multivitamins can cause harmful effects in children. If your child accidentally swallows it, get emergency medical help or call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Nicotinamide multivitamin

                Are nicotinamide multivitamins the same as daily multivitamins?
                No. While they both contain some vitamins and minerals that are good for your overall health like folic acid and zinc, nicotinamide multivitamins can contain amounts of ingredients or additional ingredients that aren't typically found in other common daily multivitamins. Nicotinamide multivitamins typically contain a higher amount of nicotinamide (vitamin B3) than daily multivitamins. In addition, some nicotinamide multivitamins like Nicazel can contain azelaic acid. Please see the next FAQ to learn more about certain ingredients in nicotinamide multivitamins. If you take a daily multivitamin, let your healthcare provider know before starting a nicotinamide multivitamin to make sure you're not getting too much or too little of any one vitamin or mineral.
                Do nicotinamide multivitamins help with skin health?
                Some research suggests that nicotinamide can help with inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne and rosacea. In addition, some nicotinamide multivitamins like Nicazel might contain azelaic acid. While the topical form of azelaic acid can treat these inflammatory skin conditions, it's not clear if the oral form does as well. In general, nicotinamide multivitamins haven't been proven to be safe or effective by the FDA for treating skin conditions. If you have a skin condition, speak with your provider to learn more about your options.
                Is the nicotinamide in this multivitamin the same as niacin, the cholesterol medication?
                Both niacin and nicotinamide are forms of vitamin B3. The nicotinamide in these multivitamins acts similar to niacin. However, niacin has a slightly different chemical structure. Niacin is the major active ingredient in Niaspan and Niacor, which are prescription cholesterol medications. Unlike niacin, nicotinamide doesn't cause flushing (feeling warm all of a sudden).
                Can nicotinamide multivitamin be used in children?
                Children shouldn't take nicotinamide multivitamins. Don't give a nicotinamide multivitamin to your child unless their provider prescribed it to them. Nicotinamide multivitamin isn't a general children's multivitamin like Poly-Vi-Sol.
                Can I take a nicotinamide multivitamin if I'm pregnant?
                Nicotinamide multivitamins aren't meant to be used as a prenatal multivitamin. Talk to your provider if you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant before starting a nicotinamide multivitamin. There isn't enough information to know if multivitamins with nicotinamide are safe during pregnancy because there haven't been studies with pregnant females. Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) is thought to be safe during pregnancy, but this suggestion is mostly based on animal studies looking at whether nicotinamide can help treat preeclampsia. Folic acid, zinc, copper, selenium, and chromium (other ingredients in these multivitamins) are found in some prenatal vitamins.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Nicotinamide multivitamin?

                Nicotinamide multivitamin can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Worsening liver problems

                • Risk factors: Taking nicotinamide doses of 500 mg or more per day | History of liver problems

                  Nicotinamide multivitamin can cause serious liver problems. Some people taking 500 mg or more of nicotinamide per day have experienced liver damage. You might need to get regular blood tests done to check your liver health. Seek medical attention right away if you notice pain or swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, stool changes (clay-colored stools), or severe stomach pain. These might be signs of liver damage.

                  risk-warning

                  Potential to hide anemia due to low vitamin B12

                  Nicotinamide multivitamin contains folic acid, which can sometimes mask a condition called pernicious anemia (a type of anemia due to low vitamin B12 levels). Avoid using this multivitamin alone if you have low vitamin B12 levels. If you have a history of low vitamin B12 levels, let your healthcare provider know.

                  risk-warning

                  Use copper-containing nicotinamide multivitamins with caution if you have kidney or liver problems

                  If you have a history of kidney or liver failure, be careful while taking nicotinamide multivitamins that contain copper. Too much copper can cause upset stomach, more damage to your liver and kidneys, and even affect your brain and nervous system.

                  dosage

                  Nicotinamide multivitamin dosage forms

                  The average cost for 60 tablets of 750mg/27mg/850mcg of Nicotinamide multivitamin is $171.47 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 72.46% off the average retail price of $622.55.
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                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  750mg/27mg/850mcg60 tablets$171.47$2.86

                  Typical dosing for Nicotinamide multivitamin

                  Dosing might differ depending on the specific product you're using. Please follow directions from your provider on how to take nicotinamide multivitamin.

                  In general, the typical dose is 1 or 2 tablets by mouth per day.

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