How does it work?

This medicine is thought to work by widening the blood vessels. This may improve the circulation to the extremities and so can be useful in peripheral arterial diseases, where the blood vessels in the extremities are narrowed. Improved circulation can relieve the symptoms of Raynaud's disease (pain and numbness in the fingers and toes, which is worsened by the cold). It can also improve the pain and cramping symptoms of intermittant claudication, where there is narrowing of the blood vessels in the calves, which produces pain on walking. However, it is not fully understood how inositol nicotinate produces its effects.

What is it used for?

Narrowing of the blood vessels in the hands, causing numb and painful fingers (Raynaud's disease)

Severe cramping pain in the calf muscles brought on by exercise, due to narrowing of the arteries in the calves

Use with caution in

Angina not well controlled by medical treatment

Decreased blood supply through the vessels of the brain (cerebrovascular insufficiency)

Not to be used in

Children

Early stage of a stroke

People who have recently had a heart attack

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy, therefore it is not recommended for use during pregnancy, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

Flushing

Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (oedema)

A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension)

Fainting

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There are no significant interactions reported with this medicine.

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