Brand names: Niacin-250 T.D.Niacin-50Niacin-500 T.D.NiacinamideNiacor®Niaspan®Nico-400®Nicobid® TempulesNicolar®Nicotinex®Slo-Niacin®
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Niacin, Niacinamide extended-release tablets or capsules (below)
- Niacin (Vitamin B3) Oral capsule, extended-release
- Niacin (Vitamin B3) Oral tablet, extended-release
- Niacinamide Oral tablet
- Niacin (Vitamin B3) Oral tablet
- Español:
- Cápsulas o tabletas de liberación prolongada de niacina, niacinamida
- Niacina (Vitamina B3), Cápsula oral de liberación prolongada
- Niacina (Vitamina B3), Tableta oral de liberación prolongada
- Niacinamida, Tableta oral
- Niacina (Vitamina B3), Tableta oral
Niacin, Niacinamide extended-release tablets or capsules
What are niacin extended-release tablets or capsules?
NIACIN, also known as Nicotinic Acid or Vitamin B3, (Slo-Niacin®, Niaspan®) is a B-vitamin that occurs naturally in foods, such as meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, and enriched cereal grains. Proper amounts of niacin are obtained in our diets daily. Niacin supplements are occasionally prescribed to treat pellagra, a serious but rare niacin-deficiency disorder. Niacin is available in many multivitamins in small amounts. Generic niacin extended-release tablets and capsules are available. However, check with your prescriber before changing the type of niacin you are taking.Large doses of nicotinic acid, a form of niacin, are prescribed to help decrease the amount of fatty substances in the blood, known as cholesterol and triglycerides. Nicotinic acid is used in patients who cannot control their blood fats by diet alone. Nicotinic acid is occasionally used to help people with poor blood circulation. Niacin should not be used to treat high cholesterol without a prescription.
Niacinamide, a different form of niacin, is available without a prescription as a vitamin supplement, but it does not help lower cholesterol or treat blood circulation problems. Do not use niacinamide to treat these conditions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:• low blood counts, platelets, or bleeding problems
• diabetes
• gallbladder disease
• gout
• heart disease or a history of heart attack
• liver disease
• low blood pressure or taking medications to lower blood pressure
• ulcers of intestine or stomach
• an unusual or allergic reaction to niacin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying or get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take niacin extended-release tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules whole with a drink of water; do not crush or chew. Take with meals or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.If you are taking niacin for a medical condition (such as to lower cholesterol levels), your prescriber or health care professional may have you start with low doses, with slow increases in the dose to help your body become used to the medicine. If you also take cholestyramine or colestipol, you should take your niacin at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after a dose of these medications.
What if I miss a dose?
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.What drug(s) may interact with niacin?
• alcohol• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure, chest pain, or heart disease
• nitroglycerin
• other medicines to lower cholesterol or triglycerides
• warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking niacin?
Do not take more niacin than prescribed. Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress if you are taking niacin for medical reasons and not as a vitamin supplement.You may get dizzy, faint, or have blurred vision; until you know how niacin affects you, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person.
Do not drink hot drinks or alcohol at the same time you take your niacin dose. Hot drinks and alcohol can increase the flushing caused by niacin, which can be uncomfortable. Alcohol also can increase possible dizziness.
If you are taking niacin to reduce your cholesterol, remember that it is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your health care professional or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.
You may notice the empty shell of the tablet in your stool; this is no cause for concern.
What side effects may I notice from taking niacin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:• dark yellow or brown urine
• fainting spells
• grayish stool color
• nausea, vomiting
• palpitations
• severe stomach pain and loss of appetite
• shortness of breath, wheezing
• skin rash and itching
• weakness or tiredness
• yellowing of skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• dizziness, lightheadedness
• dry skin
• flushing, warmth, and burning or tingling of the skin
• headache
• stomach discomfort or bloating
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
