Nicotinamide
A vitamin of the B group. It is a derivative of nicotinic acid, another B vitamin, and both forms of the
vitamin are equally active in the body, being required for many metabolic reactions. Deficiency can lead to pellagra, symptoms of which include dermatitis. Supplements of nicotinamide in the form of tablets or multivitamin preparations are used to treat or prevent deficiency; most of them are available without a prescription. Nicotinamide is also used
for the topical treatment of mild to moderate inflamed acne; it is available as a gel and can be obtained without a prescription, but only from pharmacies.
Side effects: the gel may cause, dryness, itching, redness, or irritation of the skin.
Precautions: the gel should not be applied near the eyes, nostrils or mouth.
Proprietary preparations: Papulex (gel); PABRINEX (combined with other B
vitamins and vitamin C).