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Details

Stereochemistry ACHIRAL
Molecular Formula C6H5NO2
Molecular Weight 123.1094
Optical Activity NONE
Defined Stereocenters 0 / 0
E/Z Centers 0
Charge 0

SHOW SMILES / InChI
Structure of NIACIN

SMILES

OC(=O)C1=CN=CC=C1

InChI

InChIKey=PVNIIMVLHYAWGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI=1S/C6H5NO2/c8-6(9)5-2-1-3-7-4-5/h1-4H,(H,8,9)

HIDE SMILES / InChI

Molecular Formula C6H5NO2
Molecular Weight 123.1094
Charge 0
Count
MOL RATIO 1 MOL RATIO (average)
Stereochemistry ACHIRAL
Additional Stereochemistry No
Defined Stereocenters 0 / 0
E/Z Centers 0
Optical Activity NONE

Description

Niacin (also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid) is bio converted to nicotinamide which is further converted to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and the hydride equivalent (NADH) which are coenzymes necessary for tissue metabolism, lipid metabolism, and glycogenolysis. Niacin (but not nicotinamide) in gram doses reduces LDL-C, Apo B, Lp(a), TG, and TC, and increases HDL-C. The increase in HDL-C is associated with an increase in apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) and a shift in the distribution of HDL subfractions. These shifts include an increase in the HDL2:HDL3 ratio, and an elevation in lipoprotein A-I (Lp A-I, an HDL-C particle containing only Apo A-I). The mechanism by which niacin alters lipid profiles is not completely understood and may involve several actions, including partial inhibition of release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue, and increased lipoprotein lipase activity (which may increase the rate of chylomicron triglyceride removal from plasma). Niacin decreases the rate of hepatic synthesis of VLDL-C and LDL-C, and does not appear to affect fecal excretion of fats, sterols, or bile acids. As an adjunct to diet, the efficacy of niacin and lovastatin in improving lipid profiles (either individually, or in combination with each other, or niacin in combination with other statins) for the treatment of dyslipidemia has been well documented. The effect of combined therapy with niacin and lovastatin on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined. In addition, preliminary reports suggest that niacin causes favorable LDL particle size transformations, although the clinical relevance of this effect is not yet clear. April 15, 2016: Based on several large cardiovascular outcome trials including AIM-HIGH, ACCORD, and HPS2-THRIVE, the FDA decided that "scientific evidence no longer supports the conclusion that a drug-induced reduction in triglyceride levels and/or increase in HDL-cholesterol levels in statin-treated patients results in a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events" Consistent with this conclusion, the FDA has determined that the benefits of niacin ER tablets for coadministration with statins no longer outweigh the risks, and the approval for this indication should be withdrawn.

CNS Activity

Originator

Approval Year

Targets

Primary TargetPharmacologyConditionPotency

Conditions

ConditionModalityTargetsHighest PhaseProduct
Preventing
NIASPAN
Palliative
NIASPAN
Primary
NIASPAN

Cmax

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
5.39 μg/mL
2000 mg single, oral
NIACIN plasma
Homo sapiens

AUC

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
1150 μg × min/mL
2000 mg single, oral
NIACIN plasma
Homo sapiens

T1/2

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
30 min
2000 mg single, oral
NIACIN plasma
Homo sapiens

Overview

Drug as perpetrator​

Drug as victim

PubMed

Sample Use Guides

In Vivo Use Guide
Patients not currently on NIASPAN must start ADVICOR at the lowest initial ADVICOR dose, a single 500 mg/20 mg tablet once daily at bedtime. The dose of ADVICOR should not be increased by more than 500 mg daily (based on the NIASPAN component) every 4 weeks. The dose of ADVICOR should be individualized based on targeted goals for cholesterol and triglycerides, and on patient response. Doses of ADVICOR greater than 2000 mg/40 mg daily are not recommended.
Route of Administration: Oral
In Vitro Use Guide
HepG2 cells were preincubated for 48 hours with varying concentrations of niacin (0 to 3.0 mmol/L) in DMEM containing 10% FBS media. Incubation of HepG2 cells with niacin significantly inhibited (by 12% to 15%) fatty acid esterification to produce TG as assessed by the incorporation of 3H-oleic acid into TG. 14C-acetate incorporation into cholesterol and phospholipids was unchanged. The activity of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein MTP), a carrier protein for lipids, was not altered by pretreatment of cells with niacin.
Substance Class Chemical
Record UNII
2679MF687A
Record Status Validated (UNII)
Record Version