Vitamin B3 (amide form)

Nicotinamide

Nicotinamide (the amide of niacin, vitamin B3) is used to prevent and treat niacin deficiency (pellagra) and is also used dermatologically; it does not have the vasodilatory effects of nicotinic acid.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is a precursor of the coenzymes NAD and NADP, which are essential for numerous oxidation-reduction reactions and cellular energy metabolism.

Prescribing in practice

Unlike nicotinic acid, nicotinamide does not cause flushing and does not have a clinically useful lipid-modifying effect, so the two should not be used interchangeably.
It is generally well tolerated, though high doses have been associated with gastrointestinal upset and, rarely, hepatic effects.
Doses and indications differ between deficiency states and dermatological use, so follow current prescribing references.

Monitoring

Routine monitoring is not usually required, but liver function may be considered with prolonged high-dose use.

Counselling the patient

This form of vitamin B3 does not cause the flushing seen with nicotinic acid.
Take as directed for your specific indication.
Tell your clinician about other supplements you take.

Evidence & guidelines

Nicotinamide is the established treatment for niacin deficiency, and trials support its role in certain dermatological conditions.

Reference: ONTRAC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways