What is Niacin/Niacin used for?

This medicine is used along with diet to improve cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of a second heart attack, to slow or treat of hardening of the arteries, and to lower very high serum triglyceride levels.

How should Niacin/Niacin be stored?

Store at controlled room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F).

General drug information:

When should Niacin/Niacin not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine you have significant or unexplained liver problems you have a history of arterial bleeding you have active peptic ulcer

What precautions should I follow when taking Niacin/Niacin?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription medicine or dietary supplements if you have a history of liver disease if you have kidney disease if you have a history of peptic ulcers if you consume large amounts of alcohol if you have a history of yellowing of the skin or eyes if you have diabetes if you have had a recent heart attack if you have recurring chest pain if you have a history of gout if you are taking blood thinners or have a history of bleeding problems if you have any other medical condition

What are the side effects of Niacin/Niacin?

Most severe:  Flu-like symptoms (nausea, vomiting, "not well" feeling); loss of appetite; decrease in urine or dark-colored urine; muscle weakness, swelling, or tenderness; irregular heartbeat; cloudy or blurred vision; pounding in the chest; shortness of breath; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Most common:  Redness; warmth; tingling; itching on the face, neck, chest, and back; dizziness; upset stomach; rash; sweating; chills; swelling; muscle pain; sleeplessness; hives; dry skin; migraine; weakness; ulcers; headache; diarrhea; indigestion; nausea; runny nose.

Other:  Rash.

How should I take Niacin/Niacin?

How much medicine you take and how often it is taken depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Tablets should be taken whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Take this medicine with a low fat snack (eg, low-fat yogurt, banana, or crackers with a glass of milk) at bedtime to minimize flushing and upset stomach. Flushing occurs with this medicine and may last for several hours. Talk with your doctor if flushing becomes bothersome. Take this medicine at bedtime so that flushing will occur during sleep. If you are awakened by flushing at night, get up slowly, especially if you feel dizzy or faint, or if you are taking blood thinners. Take aspirin or an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen) 30 minutes before taking this medicine to lessen flushing. Do not take this medicine with alcohol, hot drinks, or spicy foods. This may increase flushing. Do not substitute this medicine for any other type of niacin without talking with your doctor. Severe liver damage can occur. If you stop taking this medicine for an extended period, contact your doctor before you start taking it again. Your dose may need to be adjusted. Diabetic patients - Your doctor may need to adjust your diet or blood sugar-lowering medications. Talk with your health care provider before taking this medicine. Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Stop using this medicine and contact your health care provider if any of the following occur: Muscle pain; tenderness; or weakness; nausea; fever; general body discomfort; dizziness. If dizziness occurs, avoid sudden changes in posture. Do not take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements without talking with your health care provider. Patients with other medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine or change the dose unless advised to do so by your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider.