Inositol Nicotinate

Inositol Nicotinate

• What Is It?

  • Inositol nicotinate, also known as Inositol hexaniacinate/hexanicotinate or “no-flush niacin,” is a niacin ester and vasodilator [42].  

    
    

• How Does It Work in the Body?

  • Inositol nicotinate releases niacin, or vitamin B3, when processed in the body. Niacin causes vasodilation, lowers blood levels of fats such as cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, and breaks up a protein needed for the clotting of blood [43, 44].

• What Is It Used for?

  • Some research suggests that taking a specific product of inositol nicotinate (Hexopal) by mouth for several weeks modestly improves symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome [43, 45].  

    
    

• Precautions/Side Effects:

  • Inositol nicotinate is generally safe for most people. However, it can cause adverse effects such as stomach upset, intestinal gas, and nausea [43].

• Evidence for and Against:

  • According to a systematic review in 2008, certain drug treatments, such as nicardipine, inositol nicotinate, and prazosin may successfully treat primary Raynaud’s phenomenon, but there are no large studies available to effectively draw these conclusions [46].

• Dosage:

  • General Dosing: Some supplements may not list inositol nicotinate separately. Instead it may be listed as niacin. Niacin is measured in niacin equivalents (NE). 1 mg of inositol nicotinate equals 1 mg NE [43].

  • Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Up to 4 g daily of inositol nicotinate can be used; however, it might take several weeks before effects are seen [43].

• Interactions:

  • Long-term use of inositol nicotinate can increase blood glucose and may decrease effectiveness of hypoglycemic medications [43].

  • Inositol nicotinate may have potential action in anticoagulation. When coupled with other anticoagulation medication, the chance for bleeding and bruising may increase [43].

  • Inositol nicotinate is converted to niacin within the body. The use of statins and niacin together may increase the risk of muscle problems (e.g., myositis) [43].

  • When inositol nicotinate is converted to niacin, flushing and dizziness can occur. Nicotine patches can also cause flushing and dizziness. The use of both medications can worse potential side effects [43].