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Examples
These medicines contain the nicotinic acid form of niacin.
Immediate-release form
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| niacin | Niacor |
Sustained-release form
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| niacin | Slo-Niacin |
Extended-release form
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| niacin | Niaspan |
How It Works
Nicotinic acid reduces the production of triglycerides and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein, which is converted to LDL in the blood). This leads to decreased LDL ("bad") cholesterol, increased HDL ("good") cholesterol, and lowered triglycerides. Nicotinic acid raises HDL cholesterol more than other lipid-lowering medicines.
Why It Is Used
Nicotinic acid is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Niacin may not be appropriate for some people who have:
- Gout.
- Active stomach ulcer.
- Oversensitivity to niacin.
- Glaucoma.
- Type 2 diabetes and do not have their blood sugar levels controlled.
- Clotting disorders, such as hemophilia.
- Active liver disease.
- Alcoholism.
How Well It Works
Nicotinic acid can improve cholesterol levels, but it has not been proved to lower the risk of a heart attack or a stroke.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have:
- Hives.
- Severe stomach pain.
- Loss of appetite.
- Yellow eyes or skin (symptoms of jaundice).
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Flushing or redness of skin on face and neck.
- Itching.
- Headache.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Diarrhea.
These side effects are more severe when higher doses are used.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Flushing side effect
Facial flushing and itching gradually diminish over time for most people. Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing the dose may reduce the flushing and itching. If you need to relieve flushing, talk with your doctor to find a method that works for you.
Over-the-counter niacin
Talk to your doctor before you start taking over-the-counter (nonprescription) niacin. If you choose to take it, ask your doctor to help you know which medicine to buy and how much to take.
Nicotinic acid is a B vitamin that is available without a prescription as a vitamin supplement (niacin). The nicotinic acid form of niacin lowers cholesterol, but other forms of niacin do not. These other forms that do not lower cholesterol include nicotinamide and inositol nicotinate (also called no-flush niacin).
Ask your doctor how much niacin you should take. You want to take a dose that will work. But you do not want to take more niacin than you need. Larger doses of niacin can be dangerous, because they can damage your liver.
Activity and diet
A heart-healthy lifestyle is important for lowering your risk whether you take medicine or not. This includes eating healthy foods, being active, staying at a healthy weight, and not smoking.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
If you take niacin as a prescription or over-the-counter medicine, your doctor will likely have you get regular blood tests to check for liver problems.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)( What is a PDF document? ) to help you understand this medication.
Current as of: October 5, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
