Nicotinamide as a Cause of Severe Acute Hepatocellular Injury
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Dietary supplements are widely perceived as safe, yet high-dose ingestion can cause severe toxicity. We report a 20-year-old woman who developed acute hepatocellular injury following intentional ingestion of 15 g nicotinamide. She presented with vomiting, epigastric pain, and transient hypotension. Liver function tests rapidly deteriorated with a marked transaminitis, with associated coagulopathy. There was no hepatic encephalopathy. Extensive investigations for viral, autoimmune, metabolic, and vascular causes were unrevealing. She improved with supportive care, including N-acetylcysteine, vitamin K, and electrolyte replacement. This case highlights nicotinamide overdose as an important and potentially under-recognized cause of severe acute liver injury.
Source: ACG Case Reports Journal
Institutions: Monash Health, Flinders University
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225267748