Nicotinamide

Nicotinamide
Clinical data
Pronunciation	/ˌnaɪəˈsɪnəmaɪd/, /ˌnɪkəˈtɪnəmaɪd/
Other names	NAM, 3-pyridinecarboxamide; niacinamide (USAN US); nicotinic acid amide; vitamin PP; nicotinic amide; vitamin B3
AHFS/Drugs.com	Consumer Drug Information
License data	US DailyMed: Niacinamide;
Routes of; administration	oral, topical
ATC code	A11HA01 (WHO) ;
Legal status
Legal status	US: OTC;
Identifiers
	IUPAC name pyridine-3-carboxamide;
CAS Number	98-92-0 ;
PubChem CID	936;
DrugBank	DB02701;
ChemSpider	911;
UNII	25X51I8RD4;
KEGG	D00036;
ChEBI	CHEBI:17154;
ChEMBL	ChEMBL1140;
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID2020929 ;
ECHA InfoCard	100.002.467
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C6H6N2O
Molar mass	122.127 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image;
Density	1.40 g/cm3 g/cm3
Melting point	129.5 °C (265.1 °F)
Boiling point	334 °C (633 °F)
	SMILES c1cc(cnc1)C(=O)N;
	InChI InChI=1S/C6H6N2O/c7-6(9)5-2-1-3-8-4-5/h1-4H,(H2,7,9); Key:DFPAKSUCGFBDDF-UHFFFAOYSA-N;

Nicotinamide (INN, BAN UK) or niacinamide (USAN US) (IUPAC name: 3-pyridinecarboxoamide) is a form of vitamin B₃ found in food and used as a dietary supplement and medication. As a supplement, it is used orally (swallowed by mouth) to prevent and treat pellagra (niacin deficiency). This is not to be confused with Niacin. While both are very similar both have different behaviors on the body. While nicotinic acid (niacin) may be used for this purpose, nicotinamide has the benefit of not causing skin flushing. As a cream, it is used to treat acne, and has been observed in clinical studies to improve the appearance of aging skin by reducing hyperpigmentation and redness. It is a water-soluble vitamin.

Clinical trials have show promise in eye health, in this B3 form, it has shown promise in protecting eye health, particularly in the context of glaucoma. It is believed to support the health of retinal ganglion cells and may help protect against the damage caused by glaucoma. Nicotinamide has been studied for its potential neuroprotective effects, and while some clinical trials have demonstrated improvements in visual fields and retinal function, it is not yet approved for the treatment of glaucoma. The use of nicotinamide should be approached with caution, especially at high doses, due to the risk of liver injury. Ongoing research continues to explore the full potential of nicotinamide in eye protection and its role in managing eye conditions.

Side effects are minimal. At high doses, liver problems may occur. Normal amounts are safe for use during pregnancy. Nicotinamide is in the vitamin B family of medications, specifically the vitamin B₃ complex. It is an amide of nicotinic acid. Foods that contain nicotinamide include yeast, meat, milk, and green vegetables.

Nicotinamide was discovered between 1935 and 1937. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Nicotinamide is available as a generic medication and over the counter. Commercially, nicotinamide is made from either nicotinic acid (niacin) or nicotinonitrile. In some countries, grains have nicotinamide added to them.

Extra-terrestrial nicotinamide has been found in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites.