Methyl nicotinate is a methyl ester of niacin used to treat muscle and joint pain. The action of methyl nicotinate as a rubefacient is thought to involve peripheral vasodilation.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 3 references
While the mechanism of action of methyl nicotinate and other topically-administered nicotinic acid esters is not clear, it is thought that methyl nicotinate promotes the release of prostaglandin D2 that is strictly locally-acting due to its short half-life. It was demonstrated in human subjects that the local cutaneous vascular response to methyl nicotinic was suppressed by inhibitors of prostaglandin biosynthesis, indicating that the effect of methyl nicotinate on vascular smooth muscles may be mediated by the release of local prostaglandins. Prostaglandins released from the skin and blood vessels induce cutaneous vasodilation.
- Primary indication
- Indicated for the temporary relief of aches and pains in muscles, tendons, and joints.Curator reviewed · 3 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C7H7NO2 · 137.136 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1998
- Also known as
- 3-(Carbomethoxy)pyridine · Heat spray · Methyl-nicotinate · Methylnicotinate
Resolves to
YNBADRVTZLEFNH-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCOC(=O)C1=CN=CC=C1What you can answer from here — as of February 21, 2021
Which other approved drugs treat the same conditions as Methyl nicotinate, and which companies have late-stage candidates in those indications?
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