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Thiamine HCL / Riboflavin / Niacinamide
What it does
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps improve skin health and appearance.
Commonly used for: acne, eczema, dry skin, hyperpigmentation …
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Food and Drugs Authority · fetched 2026-04-18 08:33:10 · updated 2026-10-20 04:00:05
About niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps improve skin health and appearance.
What it treats
- acne
- eczema
- dry skin
- hyperpigmentation
- aging skin
How it works
It helps to improve skin function, reduce inflammation, and enhance the skin's barrier.
Who it's for
It is suitable for most skin types and can benefit those with specific skin concerns.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About riboflavin
Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is essential for energy production and helps maintain healthy skin, eyes, and nerve functions.
What it treats
- Vitamin B2 deficiency
- Mouth sores
- Migraines
How it works
Riboflavin helps the body convert food into energy and supports various cellular functions.
Who it's for
Riboflavin is suitable for individuals who may not get enough Vitamin B2 from their diet or have specific health conditions.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About thiamine
Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is a nutrient that helps convert food into energy and supports the nervous system.
What it treats
- thiamine deficiency
- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
- beriberi
How it works
Thiamine helps the body use carbohydrates for energy and is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Who it's for
Thiamine is for people who have low levels of vitamin B1 or certain conditions that increase the need for it.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Riboflavin
BNF-referencedRiboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is a water-soluble vitamin crucial for various biochemical functions in the body. It plays a pivotal role in energy production through the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Additionally, riboflavin is essential for red blood cell formation, maintaining skin health, and supporting overall growth and reproduction. It has antioxidant properties and is involved in the prevention of certain eye disorders, including cataracts.
Indications
- Vitamin B2 deficiency
- Isoniazid-induced neuropathy (prophylaxis and treatment)
- Metabolic diseases
- Cystathioninuria
- Homocystinuria
- Wilson's disease
- Prevention of penicillamine-induced neuropathy
Mechanism of action
Riboflavin acts as a precursor to flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which are essential coenzymes in various enzymatic reactions. It binds to riboflavin hydrogenase, riboflavin kinase, and riboflavin synthase, facilitating the production of FMN and FAD. These coenzymes are critical for normal tissue respiration and energy metabolism, influencing hydrogen transport in oxidative enzyme systems such as cytochrome C reductase and succinic dehydrogenase. Moreover, riboflavin contributes to the antioxidant activity by aiding in the production of reduced glutathione, a key antioxidant in the body.
Pharmacodynamics
Riboflavin is an easily absorbed, water-soluble micronutrient that supports energy production by assisting in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It is vital for red blood cell formation, antibody production, and regulating growth and reproduction. The vitamin plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin, nails, and hair, as well as supporting thyroid activity. Riboflavin also has therapeutic implications in preventing or treating various eye disorders, including cataracts.
Pharmacokinetics
Riboflavin is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, with its bioavailability influenced by dietary intake. It is primarily excreted through urine, with excess intake leading to bright yellow urine, which is a harmless side effect. The vitamin does not accumulate in the body, necessitating regular dietary intake to maintain adequate levels.
Adverse effects
- Urine discolouration
- Peripheral neuritis
Precautions
- With intravenous use, risk of cardiovascular collapse; resuscitation facilities must be available and monitor closely.
Pregnancy
Crosses the placenta but no adverse effects reported; information at high doses limited.
Breast-feeding
Present in breast milk but no adverse effects reported; information at high doses limited.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Formulations
- 100 mg modified-release tablets
- 50 mg capsules
- 100 mg capsules
- 100 mg tablets
- Oral solution
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: Thiamine
BNF-referencedThiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and plays a critical role in energy production. It acts as a coenzyme in several biochemical pathways, particularly in the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA and in the pentose phosphate pathway. Thiamine deficiency can lead to serious health issues, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, beriberi, and other neurological disorders. Thiamine is found in various foods such as whole grains, legumes, nuts, and meat.
Indications
- Vitamin B1 deficiency
- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
- Beriberi
- Isoniazid-induced neuropathy (prophylaxis and treatment)
- Severe depletion or malabsorption of vitamins B and C
Dosage
Adults: For vitamin deficiency: 25–100 mg daily. For severe deficiency: 200–300 mg daily in divided doses. For
Mechanism of action
Thiamine functions primarily as a precursor for several phosphorylated active forms, which act as coenzymes in metabolic pathways. It reduces intracellular protein glycation by redirecting glycolytic flux and supports the synthesis of nucleic acids necessary for cell survival and proliferation. Additionally, thiamine has been shown to inhibit glucose-induced proliferation of endothelial cells, thus possibly playing a role in the modulation of vascular health.
Pharmacodynamics
Thiamine exhibits antioxidant properties and contributes to erythropoiesis, cognitive function, and mood regulation. It has protective effects against oxidative stress, particularly in neuronal tissues, where deficiency can lead to neuronal death due to increased free radical production. Thiamine also modulates glucose metabolism, influencing smooth muscle cell proliferation and potentially impacting the progression of atherosclerosis.
Pharmacokinetics
Thiamine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the jejunum, and is distributed throughout the body, with higher concentrations found in the liver, heart, and brain. It is excreted in urine, and its half-life is relatively short. The vitamin is converted into active forms within tissues, including thiamine diphosphate (TDP), which is the coenzyme form involved in carbohydrate metabolism. The body does not store significant amounts of thiamine, making regular dietary intake essential.
Adverse effects
- Allergic reactions
- Anaphylaxis (rare)
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
Precautions
- Facilities for treating anaphylaxis should be available when parenteral thiamine is administered
- Use with caution in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to thiamine
Pregnancy
Thiamine crosses the placenta but no adverse effects have been reported. Information regarding high doses is limited.
Breast-feeding
Severely thiamine-deficient mothers should avoid breast-feeding as thiamine is present in breast milk.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Thiamine hydrochloride 20 mg/ml oral solution
- Thiamine hydrochloride 50 mg tablets
- Thiamine hydrochloride 100 mg modified-release tablets
- Thiamine hydrochloride oral suspension
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: niacinamide
BNF-referencedNiacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 that plays a critical role in cellular metabolism. It is involved in the synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an essential coenzyme in redox reactions. Niacinamide is recognized for its potential therapeutic effects in various dermatological conditions, as well as its role in cellular repair and anti-inflammatory properties.
Indications
- Dermatitis
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Hyperpigmentation
- Skin aging
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing guidelines for paediatric patients.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidelines based on the condition being treated.
Mechanism of action
Niacinamide functions primarily as a precursor to NAD and NADP, which are crucial for numerous enzymatic reactions in the body. It is involved in the NAD salvage pathway, which recycles nicotinamide for NAD synthesis. This process is vital for cellular energy production and metabolic processes. Niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its effects in skin health.
Pharmacodynamics
Niacinamide exhibits various pharmacological effects, including enhancing skin barrier function, reducing inflammation, and improving skin pigmentation. It has been shown to modulate keratinocyte function, improve collagen synthesis, and decrease the synthesis of sebum, thereby providing beneficial effects in conditions like acne and rosacea.
Pharmacokinetics
Niacinamide is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is distributed widely throughout the body and can cross biological membranes. The metabolism of niacinamide primarily occurs in the liver through methylation and conjugation, and it is excreted in urine as metabolites. The half-life of niacinamide is approximately 1-2 hours, and its effects can be prolonged due to its role in NAD synthesis.
Pregnancy
No evidence of harm, but use only if clearly needed.
Breast-feeding
Considered safe to use while breastfeeding.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from light.
Formulations
- {'type': 'Topical cream', 'concentration': 'Various concentrations available'}
- {'type': 'Oral tablets', 'concentration': '100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg'}
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: thiaminehydrochloride
Thiamine hydrochloride, also known as vitamin B1, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in carbohydrate metabolism and is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is involved in the decarboxylation of alpha-keto acids and the hexose monophosphate shunt, which are vital processes for energy production from carbohydrates.
Indications
- Thiamine deficiency
- Wernicke's encephalopathy
- Beriberi
- Alcoholism-related complications
- Certain metabolic disorders
Dosage
Children: Refer to BNF for Children for appropriate dosing information.
Adults: Refer to established clinical guidelines or BNF for specific dosing recommendations.
Mechanism of action
Thiamine is a coenzyme for several important enzymatic reactions, including the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. It is essential for converting carbohydrates into energy, facilitating the metabolism of glucose, and maintaining normal nerve function.
Pharmacodynamics
Thiamine deficiency leads to impaired carbohydrate metabolism, which can result in neurological and cardiovascular dysfunction. Supplementation with thiamine helps restore normal metabolic function and can alleviate symptoms associated with deficiency, such as Wernicke's encephalopathy and Beriberi. It also plays a role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and in maintaining myelin integrity.
Pharmacokinetics
Thiamine is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours after oral administration. It is distributed throughout the body, primarily in the liver, kidneys, and heart. Thiamine is metabolized in the liver to its active form, thiamine pyrophosphate. It has a biological half-life of about 9-18 days and is excreted primarily in the urine. Excess thiamine is excreted, making toxicity rare.
Adverse effects
- Allergic reactions
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
Interactions
- May interact with certain diuretics, leading to altered thiamine levels
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
- Monitor patients with a history of thiamine deficiency
Pregnancy
Thiamine is considered safe during pregnancy, as it is an essential nutrient.
Breast-feeding
Thiamine is excreted in breast milk, but supplementation is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Formulations
- Thiamine hydrochloride injection
- Thiamine hydrochloride oral tablets
- Thiamine hydrochloride oral solution
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Riboflavin
PubChem CID 493570Molecular formula: C17H20N4O6
Mechanism of action
Binds to riboflavin hydrogenase, riboflavin kinase, and riboflavin synthase. Riboflavin is the precursor of flavin mononucleotide (FMN, riboflavin monophosphate) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). The antioxidant activity of riboflavin is principally derived from its role as a precursor of FAD and the role of this cofactor in the production of the antioxidant reduced glutathione. Reduced glutathione is the cofactor of the selenium-containing glutathione peroxidases among other things. The glutathione peroxidases are major antioxidant enzymes. Reduced glutathione is generated by the FAD-containing enzyme glutathione reductase. Riboflavin is converted to 2 coenzymes, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which are necessary for normal tissue respiration. Riboflavin is also required for activation of pyridoxine, conversion of tryptophan to niacin, and may be involved in maintaining erythrocyte integrity. Riboflavin functions as the coenzyme for flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN), which primarily influence hydrogen transport in oxidative enzyme systems (eg, cytochrome C reductase, succinic dehydrogenase, xanthine oxidase). Two active forms of riboflavin exist ... coenzyme flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and coenzyme flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). They are formed by reaction of riboflavin with 1 and 2 molecules of ATP as follow: riboflavin + ATP = riboflavin-P (FMN) + ADP; FMN + ATP = riboflavin-ADP (FAD) + PP. Riboflavin is a water-soluble, yellow, fluorescent compound. The primary form of the vitamin is as an integral component of the coenzymes flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin-adenine dinucleotide (FAD). It is in these bound coenzyme forms that riboflavin functions as a catalyst for redox reactions in numerous metabolic pathways and in energy production. ... The redox reactions in which flavocoenzymes participate include flavoprotein-catalyzed dehydrogenations that are both pyridine nucleotide (niacin) dependent and independent, reactions with sulfur-containing compounds, hydroxylations, oxidative decarboxylations (involving thiamin as its pyrophosphate), dioxygenations, and reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide. There are obligatory roles of flavocoenzymes in the formation of some vitamins and their coenzymes. For example, the biosynthesis of two niacin-containing coenzymes from tryptophan occurs via FAD-dependent kynurenine hydroxylase, an FMN-dependent oxidase catalyzes the conversion of the 5'-phosphates of vitamin B6 to coenzymic pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, and an FAD-dependent dehydrogenase reduces 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate to the 5'-methyl product that interfaces with the B12-dependent formation of methionine from homocysteine and thus with sulfur amino acid metabolism. For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for Riboflavin (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
Pharmacodynamics
Riboflavin or vitamin B2 is an easily absorbed, water-soluble micronutrient with a key role in maintaining human health. Like the other B vitamins, it supports energy production by aiding in the metabolising of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Vitamin B2 is also required for red blood cell formation and respiration, antibody production, and for regulating human growth and reproduction. It is essential for healthy skin, nails, hair growth and general good health, including regulating thyroid activity. Riboflavin also helps in the prevention or treatment of many types of eye disorders, including some cases of cataracts.
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
Molecular reference: Thiamine
PubChem CID 1130Molecular formula: C12H17N4OS+
Mechanism of action
It is thought that the mechanism of action of thiamine on endothelial cells is related to a reduction in intracellular protein glycation by redirecting the glycolytic flux. Thiamine is mainly the transport form of the vitamin, while the active forms are phosphorylated thiamine derivatives. Natural derivatives of thiamine phosphate, such as thiamine monophosphate (ThMP), thiamine diphosphate (ThDP), also sometimes called thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), thiamine triphosphate (ThTP), and thiamine triphosphate (AThTP), that act as coenzymes in addition to their each unique biological functions. Metabolic control analysis predicts that stimulators of transketolase enzyme synthesis such as thiamin (vitamin B-1) support a high rate of nucleic acid ribose synthesis necessary for tumor cell survival, chemotherapy resistance, and proliferation. Metabolic control analysis also predicts that transketolase inhibitor drugs will have the opposite effect on tumor cells. This may have important implications in the nutrition and future treatment of patients with cancer.
Pharmacodynamics
Thiamine is a vitamin with antioxidant, erythropoietic, cognition-and mood-modulatory, antiatherosclerotic, putative ergogenic, and detoxification activities. Thiamine has been found to protect against lead-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver and kidney. Thiamine deficiency results in selective neuronal death in animal models. The neuronal death is associated with increased free radical production, suggesting that oxidative stress may play an important early role in brain damage associated with thiamine deficiency. Thiamine plays a key role in intracellular glucose metabolism and it is thought that thiamine inhibits the effect of glucose and insulin on arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation. Inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation may also promote atherosclerosis. Endothelial cells in culture have been found to have a decreased proliferative rate and delayed migration in response to hyperglycemic conditions. Thiamine has been shown to inhibit this effect of glucose on endothelial cells.
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
Molecular reference: niacinamide
PubChem CID 936Molecular formula: C6H6N2O
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
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The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.