Inositol nicotinate

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]

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

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:

• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Intermittent claudication

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:

• Migraines
• Psoriasis
• Restless legs syndrome

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]