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Niacin, also called nicotinic acid, is a B vitamin (vitamin B3). It occurs naturally in plants and animals, and is also added to many foods as a vitamin supplement. It is also present in many multiple vitamins and nutritional supplements.
Niacin is used to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides, and increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).
Niacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not take niacin if you have severe liver disease, a stomach ulcer, or active bleeding.
Niacin can cause certain side effects, such as flushing (warmth, itching, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin). These effects can be made worse if you drink alcohol or hot beverages shortly after you take this medicine. These effects should disappear over time as you keep taking the medication.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Avoid taking colestipol (Colestid) or cholestyramine (Locholest, Prevalite, Questran) at the same time you take niacin. If you take either of these other medications, take them at least 4 to 6 hours before or after you take this medicine.
Niacin is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
You should not take niacin if you are allergic to it.
To make sure you can safely take niacin, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
severe liver disease;
a stomach ulcer; or
active bleeding.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver disease;
heart disease, chest pain (angina);
gout; or
diabetes.
It is not known whether niacin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Niacin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Use niacin exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Niacin can cause flushing (warmth, itching, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin). These effects should disappear over time as you keep taking the medicine. Flushing may be worse if you drink alcohol or hot beverages shortly after taking niacin.
Swallow the capsule or tablet whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.
If you stop taking niacin for any length of time, talk with your doctor before starting the medication again. You may need to restart the medication at a lower dose.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Niacin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Your doctor may recommend you take aspirin or an NSAID (such as ibuprofen, Advil, or Aleve) to help prevent flushing. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage, and can also worsen the flushing effects of niacin.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or niacin will not be as effective.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to niacin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
irregular heartbeats;
severe warmth or redness under your skin;
vision problems; or
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common niacin side effects may include:
flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea;
abnormal liver function tests;
itching, dry skin;
skin discoloration; or
headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
statin cholesterol medication;
heart or blood pressure medication; or
other medicines that lower blood pressure.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with niacin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use niacin only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medically reviewed by USARx EDITORIAL TEAM Last updated on 1/1/2020.
Source: Drugs.com Niacin (www.drugs.com/niacin.html).
Commonly reported side effects of niacin include: pruritus, nausea, and flushing. Other side effects include: skin rash, and vomiting. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.
Applies to niacin: oral capsule, oral capsule extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release
Along with its needed effects, niacin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking niacin:
Less common
Some side effects of niacin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Incidence not known
Applies to niacin: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral capsule extended release, oral liquid, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release
Very common (10% or more): Flushing (i.e., warmth, redness, itching, and/or tingling) (up to 88%)
Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, palpitations, atrial fibrillation, other cardiac arrhythmias, syncope, hypotension, postural hypotension
Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus
Frequency not reported: Sweating, skin burning sensation, maculopapular rash, dry skin
Postmarketing reports: Skin discoloration
Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (up to 14%), nausea (up to 11%)
Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting
Frequency not reported: Peptic ulcers, eructation, flatulence
Postmarketing reports: Slight reductions in platelet counts, prothrombin time prolonged
Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, flushing, dyspnea, tongue edema, larynx edema, face edema, peripheral edema, laryngismus, vesiculobullous rash)
Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis, jaundice
Frequency not reported: Decreased glucose tolerance, gout
Frequency not reported: Myalgia, myopathy
Frequency not reported: Dizziness, syncope
Postmarketing reports: Migraine, asthenia, paresthesia
Postmarketing reports: Blurred vision, macular edema
Postmarketing reports: Insomnia, nervousness
Frequency not reported: Chills, edema
Common (1% to 10%): Cough increased
Frequency not reported: Dyspnea
Medically reviewed by USARx EDITORIAL TEAM Last updated on 1/1/2020.
Source: Drugs.com Niacin (www.drugs.com/niacin.html).
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