Niacin



Niacor®; Niaspan®; Slo-Niacin®[OTC]







Niacin

(NYE a sin)

U.S. Brand Names
Niacor®; Niaspan®; Slo-Niacin®[OTC]
Canadian Brand Names
Niaspan®
Mexican Brand Names
Hipocol®; Pepevit®
Pharmacologic Category
Antilipemic Agent, Miscellaneous; Vitamin, Water Soluble
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to niacin, niacinamide, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Liver disease or ulcer disease.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to lower cholesterol and other harmful types of cholesterol in the body. Good cholesterol (HDL) levels increase.
  • This medicine is used to decrease triglycerides.
  • This vitamin is used to treat niacin deficiency.
How does it work?
  • Niacin reduces cholesterol production.
  • It is a dietary supplement.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with food.
  • Take this medicine at bedtime if you are taking once a day.
  • Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • A liquid (elixir) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
  • Avoid hot drinks around the time of administration.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider. This medicine can increase blood sugar.
  • If you have gallbladder disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). May increase flushing.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Flushing. Taking aspirin or ibuprofen 30 minutes before taking this medicine may help.
  • Headache.
  • Itching.
  • Liver damage can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugars closely.
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Not hungry.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Yellow skin or eyes.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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