Niacinamide
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, treats and prevents niacin deficiency and is used in dermatology for various skin conditions.
Niacinamide is a vitamin B3 supplement used to treat deficiency and improve various skin conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A11HA01
- RxNorm
- 7394
- Generic
- Niacinamide
- Class
- atc-a11
- Brands
- Hemocyte Plus, Multi-Delyn, Lactocal, NicAzel, Infuvite, Infuvite Pediatric, Tandem Plus, Nicomide, Dialyvite 800, Dialyvite 800 with Zinc, Rena-Vite, Dialyvite 800 with Iron, Ellis Tonic, Eldertonic, Integra F
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- A
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 0.75
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 6
- Routes
- oral, topical
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, cream, gel, lotion, solution, injection
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, European Union, Japan, India
- Monitoring
- liver function tests at high doses
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
12 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid high-dose supplementation during pregnancy unless medically indicated
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid high-dose supplementation during pregnancy unless medically indicated
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid high-dose supplementation during pregnancy unless medically indicated
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed at recommended doses
generally considered compatible with breastfeeding
infant monitoring for unusual symptoms
pediatric_age
infants 0 12 monthsuse pediatric formulation only
consult pediatrician before use in infants
growth and developmental monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 1 12 yearsuse age-appropriate pediatric dosing
follow pediatric dosage guidelines
regular pediatric check-ups
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno routine adjustment needed
generally safe for elderly population
routine health monitoring
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentno adjustment needed
standard dosing acceptable
periodic renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose and monitor closely
use with caution in end-stage renal disease
close renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild hepatic impairmentuse with caution
monitor liver function
regular liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentavoid high doses
use only under medical supervision
frequent liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useavoid excessive doses
monitor liver function in chronic alcohol users
regular liver enzyme monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 used as a dietary supplement
Common uses
Topical and oral applications for dermatological conditions
Safety status
FDA classification for food safety
Availability
Regulatory classification as dietary supplement
Treatment and prevention of niacin deficiency (pellagra), management of acne and inflammatory skin conditions, reduction of hyperpigmentation, and support of skin barrier function. Sometimes used as a dietary supplement for general health.
Niacinamide is converted into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and NADP, which are essential coenzymes involved in cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and redox reactions. In skin applications, it helps reduce inflammation, regulate sebum production, and strengthen the skin's protective barrier.
Generally well-tolerated when taken at recommended doses. May cause mild flushing, gastrointestinal upset, or liver irritation at high doses. Consult a healthcare provider before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications. Topical formulations may cause temporary redness or irritation in sensitive skin.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy