Inositol Nicotinate

• What other names is Inositol Nicotinate known by?
• What is Inositol Nicotinate?
• How does Inositol Nicotinate work?
• Are there safety concerns?
• Are there any interactions with medications?
• Dosing considerations for Inositol Nicotinate.

What other names is Inositol Nicotinate known by?

Hexaniacinate d'Inositol, Hexanicotinate d'Inositol, Hexanicotinate de Meso-Inositol, Hexanicotinyl cis-1,2,3-5-trans-4,6-cyclohexane, Hexanicotinoyl Inositol, Inositol Hexaniacinate, Inositol Hexanicotinate, Inositol Niacinate, Meso-Inositol Hexanicotinate, Myo-inositol hexa-3-pyridine-carboxyalte, Niacinate d'Inositol, Niacine Sans Rougissement, Nicotinate d'Inositol, Nicotinato de Inositol, No-Flush Niacin.

What is Inositol Nicotinate?

Inositol nicotinate is a compound made of niacin (vitamin B3) and inositol. Inositol occurs naturally in the body and can also be made in the laboratory.

Inositol nicotinate is used for treating blood circulation problems, including pain when walking due to poor circulation in the legs (intermittent claudication); skin changes caused by pooling of the blood in the legs (stasis dermatitis) when veins are ineffective in returning blood to the heart; narrowing of the blood vessels leading to cold fingers and toes (Raynaud's disease); and blood flow problems in the brain (cerebral vascular disease). Inositol nicotinate has been used in conventional medical practice in Great Britain for improving symptoms of poor circulation for many years, although it is usually not the preferred treatment choice.

Inositol nicotinate is also used for high cholesterol; high blood pressure; sleep problems (insomnia); migraines related to "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis); skin conditions, including scleroderma, acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, and others; inflammation of the tongue (exfoliative glossitis); restless leg syndrome; and schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.

Possibly Effective for...

• Painful response to cold especially in the fingers and toes (Raynaud's disease). Some research suggests that taking a specific product of inositol nicotinate (Hexopal) by mouth for several weeks modestly improves symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• High cholesterol. The effectiveness of inositol nicotinate for treating high cholesterol is controversial. While some research suggests that inositol nicotinate taken by mouth may decrease cholesterol levels, others research shows that inositol nicotinate does not have an effect.
• Cramping pain and weakness in the legs due to poor circulation (intermittent claudication). The effectiveness of inositol nicotinate for treating intermittent claudication is controversial. While some research suggests that taking a specific inositol nicotinate product (Hexopal) by mouth for up to 3 months improves walking distance and reduces symptoms in people with this condition, other research shows conflicting results.
• Blood disorders of the brain.
• Migraine headaches.
• Hardened skin (scleroderma).
• Sleeplessness (insomnia).
• High blood pressure.
• Restless leg syndrome.
• Acne.
• Skin inflammation (dermatitis).
• Inflammation of the tongue (exfoliative glossitis).
• Psoriasis.
• Schizophrenia.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of inositol nicotinate for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).