Nicotinic acid derivatives

What are Nicotinic acid derivatives?

Nicotinic acid derivatives are highly specific antibacterial agents, active only against Mycobacterium. They appear to work by inhibiting peptide synthesis in susceptible organisms. Nicotinic acid derivatives are used for the treatment of tuberculosis infections, in combination with other medicines, as use alone results in the rapid development of resistance.

5 Nicotinic acid–derived alkaloids. Alkaloids derived from nicotinic acid contain a pyridine nucleus. Nicotinic acid itself is synthesized from l-tryptophan via N-formylkynurenine, l-kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, and quinolinic acid.

Medications. Niaspan and generic niacin ER, available as a prescription medicine, provides 500-1,000 mg extended-release nicotinic acid. It is used to treat high blood cholesterol levels.

Nicotinamide is a nicotinic acid derivative (and component of niacin) that in a rat model has been found to inhibit sodium-dependent phosphorus cotransport via the NaPi-2b transporter located in the intestinal brush border membrane.

The other analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, typically found in narcotic analgesic combinations mainly work by inhibiting enzymes called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that produce prostaglandins. Prostaglandins promote inflammation, pain and fever.