Nicotinamide

What is this medication? Nicotinamide, also known as niacinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 that is primarily used to prevent and treat niacin deficiency, which can lead to a condition called pellagra. Unlike nicotinic acid, another form of vitamin B3, this medication does not cause skin flushing or dilation of blood vessels. It plays an essential role in the body as a precursor to coenzymes necessary for energy production, cellular signaling, and DNA repair.

Beyond its use as a nutritional supplement, healthcare providers often prescribe nicotinamide to manage various inflammatory skin conditions. It is frequently utilized in the treatment of acne and rosacea because of its ability to reduce redness and improve the skin barrier. Additionally, medical research suggests that high-dose oral nicotinamide may be effective in reducing the risk of developing certain non-melanoma skin cancers in individuals who are at high risk for these types of lesions.