Niacin and related compounds for treating hyperphosphatemia in dialysis patients

Semin Dial. 2008 May-Jun;21(3):203-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-139X.2008.00426.x. Epub 2008 Mar 18.

Abstract

Recent experimental and clinical studies suggest the possible utility of niacin (nicotinic acid, vitamin B3) and its metabolite nicotinamide as a means of lowering phosphate levels in dialysis patients via direct inhibition of the Na-Pi-2b sodium-dependent phosphate co-transporter in the GI tract. While the possibility of taking just one or two pills a day, which do not have to be taken with meals, is very attractive, caution is warranted before moving forward with niacin and related compounds for lowering phosphate levels in dialysis patients until it is certain that they are effective, well tolerated, and safe for treatment of chronic hyperphosphatemia.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hyperphosphatemia / drug therapy*
  • Hyperphosphatemia / etiology
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / therapy
  • Niacin / therapeutic use*
  • Niacinamide / therapeutic use*
  • Peritoneal Dialysis
  • Sodium-Phosphate Cotransporter Proteins
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamin B Complex / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Sodium-Phosphate Cotransporter Proteins
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Niacinamide
  • Niacin