Inositol nicotinate

Inositol nicotinate
Clinical data
Trade names	Hexopal
AHFS/Drugs.com	International Drug Names
Routes of; administration	oral
ATC code	C04AC03 (WHO) ;
Legal status
Legal status	US: OTC;
Identifiers
	IUPAC name cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexayl hexanicotinate;
CAS Number	6556-11-2;
PubChem CID	3720;
ChemSpider	16736141;
UNII	A99MK953KZ;
KEGG	D01813;
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID2023147 ;
ECHA InfoCard	100.026.806
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C42H30N6O12
Molar mass	810.732 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image;
Melting point	255 °C (491 °F)
	SMILES O=C(O[C@H]6[C@H](OC(=O)c1cccnc1)[C@H](OC(=O)c2cccnc2)[C@H](OC(=O)c3cccnc3)[C@@H](OC(=O)c4cccnc4)[C@@H]6OC(=O)c5cccnc5)c7cccnc7;

Inositol nicotinate, also known as inositol hexanicotinate or inositol hexaniacinate, is a compound of niacin (vitamin B3) and inositol. It is marketed in the United States as a "no-flush" form of niacin in dietary supplements.^[1]

Mechanism of action

When ingested, inositol nicotinate breaks down into inositol and niacin. The niacin component helps widen blood vessels (vasodilation), lowers blood lipid levels (including cholesterol), and inhibits a protein involved in blood clotting.^[1]^[2]

Uses

Inositol nicotinate is used to treat blood circulation problems, including:

Some research shows it can improve symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon over several weeks. However, its effectiveness in treating other conditions like:

High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Leg pain during exercise (due to poor circulation)

remains unclear, with studies producing mixed results.^[1]^[3]

Other proposed uses, such as for:

have insufficient supporting evidence.^[1]

Side effects

Inositol nicotinate is generally safe when taken by mouth, but possible side effects include:

Stomach upset
Intestinal gas
Nausea
Liver damage (similar to other niacin products)^[1]

It is marketed as "no-flush" niacin, but research suggests that the lack of flushing may be due to its limited conversion to active niacin.^[4]

Precautions

Inositol nicotinate should be used with caution in individuals with certain conditions:

Diabetes: May raise blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar levels closely.^[1]
Liver disease or kidney disease: Niacin can accumulate in people with liver or kidney problems, potentially worsening their condition.^[1]
Bleeding disorders: Inositol nicotinate may slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding for individuals with clotting disorders or those undergoing surgery.^[1]
Gout: Large amounts of niacin may trigger gout attacks.^[1]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ "Inositol Nicotinate". WebMD. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
^ Tomlinson, B (2014). "Niacin and inositol hexanicotinate for hyperlipidaemia and vascular disease: new data and new uses for an old drug". Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. 39 (1): 1–12.
^ Head, A (1986). "Treatment of intermittent claudication with inositol nicotinate". Practitioner. 230 (1411): 49–54.
^ "Niacin: The facts on flushing". BC Drug & Poison Information Centre. Retrieved 11 September 2024.

[WebMD-1] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ "Inositol Nicotinate". WebMD. Retrieved 11 September 2024.

[2] Tomlinson, B (2014). "Niacin and inositol hexanicotinate for hyperlipidaemia and vascular disease: new data and new uses for an old drug". Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. 39 (1): 1–12.

[3] Head, A (1986). "Treatment of intermittent claudication with inositol nicotinate". Practitioner. 230 (1411): 49–54.

[DPIC-4] "Niacin: The facts on flushing". BC Drug & Poison Information Centre. Retrieved 11 September 2024.

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