Nicotinic acid

 
Chemical Formula: C₆H₅NO₂

Molecular Weight: 123.11

CAS Number: 59-67-6

Description: Nicotinic acid USP, White crystalline powder, >99.0% (on dry basis)

Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid and vitamin B3, is a water soluble, essential B vitamin which, when given in high doses, is effective in lowering low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and raising high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which makes this agent of unique value in the therapy of dyslipidemia. Niacin can cause mild-to-moderate serum aminotransferase elevations and high doses and certain formulations of niacin have been linked to clinically apparent, acute liver injury which can be severe as well as fatal. Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin of the B complex occurring in various animal and plant tissues. It is required by the body for the formation of coenzymes NAD and NADP. It has PELLAGRA-curative, vasodilating, and antilipemic properties.