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NIACIN (NYE a sin) is used in combination with a healthy diet to lower 'bad' cholesterol and increase 'good' cholesterol. This medicine is also used to decrease triglycerides. If triglycerides are too high, you may be at risk of developing pancreatitis. This is a painful condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas and can lead to serious health problems.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with a low-fat meal or snack. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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•aspirin
•medicines for blood pressure, chest pain, or heart disease
•nitroglycerin
•nutritional supplements that contain niacin or nicotinamide
•medicines for cholesterol or triglycerides
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Do not drink hot drinks or alcohol at the same time you take this medicine. Hot drinks and alcohol can increase the flushing caused by this medicine, which can be uncomfortable. Alcohol also can increase possible dizziness. Taking aspirin or an NSAID like ibuprofen 30 minutes before this medicine may help reduce flushing.
This drug is only part of a total heart-health program. Your doctor or a dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to help. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.
If you are diabetic, close regulation and monitoring of your blood sugars can help your blood fat levels. This medicine may change the way your diabetic medication works, and sometimes will require that your dosages be adjusted. Check with your doctor or health care professional.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•dark urine
•feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
•general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
•light-colored stools
•loss of appetite, nausea
•palpitations
•right upper belly pain
•shortness of breath, wheezing
•skin rash and itching
•unusually weak or tired
•yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•headache
•stomach discomfort or bloating
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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