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niacin (nicotinic acid)

niacin (nicotinic acid)

Pronunciation: NYE a sin (NIK oh TIN ik AS id)

Brand: B-3-50, B3-500-Gr, Endur-acin, HDL Benefit, Niacin SR, Niacor, Niaspan ER, Slo-Niacin

Niaspan ER

slide 1 of 24, Niaspan ER,

500 mg, oval, orange, imprinted with A 500

Image of Niaspan ER
slide 1 of 24

Niaspan ER

slide 2 of 24, Niaspan ER,

750 mg, oval, orange, imprinted with A 750

Image of Niaspan ER
slide 2 of 24

Niaspan ER

slide 3 of 24, Niaspan ER,

1000 mg, oval, orange, imprinted with A 1000

Image of Niaspan ER
slide 3 of 24

Niacor

slide 4 of 24, Niacor,

500 mg, oval, white, imprinted with 500, US 67

Image of Niacor
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Niacin ER

slide 5 of 24, Niacin ER,

500 mg, capsule, pink, imprinted with S, 500

Image of Niacin ER
slide 5 of 24

Niacin ER

slide 6 of 24, Niacin ER,

1000 mg, capsule, pink, imprinted with S, 1000

Image of Niacin ER
slide 6 of 24

Niacin ER

slide 7 of 24, Niacin ER,

750 mg, capsule, pink, imprinted with S, 750

Image of Niacin ER
slide 7 of 24

Niacin ER

slide 8 of 24, Niacin ER,

500 mg, capsule, orange, imprinted with LU, D 11

Image of Niacin ER
slide 8 of 24

Niacin ER

slide 9 of 24, Niacin ER,

750 mg, capsule, orange, imprinted with LU, D 12

Image of Niacin ER
slide 9 of 24

Niacin ER

slide 10 of 24, Niacin ER,

1000 mg, oval, orange, imprinted with LU, D 13

Image of Niacin ER
slide 10 of 24

Niacin ER

slide 11 of 24, Niacin ER,

1000 mg, capsule, orange, imprinted with AN 323

Image of Niacin ER
slide 11 of 24

Niacin ER

slide 12 of 24, Niacin ER,

500 mg, round, orange, imprinted with AN 321

Image of Niacin ER
slide 12 of 24

Niacin ER

slide 13 of 24, Niacin ER,

750 mg, capsule, brown, imprinted with AN 322

Image of Niacin ER
slide 13 of 24

Niacin TD

slide 14 of 24, Niacin TD,

250 mg, capsule, clear/green

Image of Niacin TD
slide 14 of 24

Niacin SR

slide 15 of 24, Niacin SR,

500 mg, capsule, blue/white

Image of Niacin SR
slide 15 of 24

Niacin ER

slide 16 of 24, Niacin ER,

1000 mg, oval, red, imprinted with KU, 322

Image of Niacin ER
slide 16 of 24

Niacin ER

slide 17 of 24, Niacin ER,

1000 mg, capsule, orange, imprinted with AN 323

Image of Niacin ER
slide 17 of 24

Niacin ER

slide 18 of 24, Niacin ER,

500 mg, round, red, imprinted with KU, 320

Image of Niacin ER
slide 18 of 24

Niacin ER

slide 19 of 24, Niacin ER,

500 mg, round, orange, imprinted with AN 321

Image of Niacin ER
slide 19 of 24

Niaspan ER

slide 20 of 24, Niaspan ER,

750 mg, capsule, orange, imprinted with 750

Image of Niaspan ER
slide 20 of 24

Niacin ER

slide 21 of 24, Niacin ER,

750 mg, capsule, orange, imprinted with AN 322

Image of Niacin ER
slide 21 of 24

Niaspan ER

slide 22 of 24, Niaspan ER,

500 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with KOS, 500

Image of Niaspan ER
slide 22 of 24

Niaspan ER

slide 23 of 24, Niaspan ER,

1000 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with 1000, KOS

Image of Niaspan ER
slide 23 of 24

Niaspan ER

slide 24 of 24, Niaspan ER,

750 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with 750, KOS

Image of Niaspan ER
slide 24 of 24

What is the most important information I should know about niacin?

You should not take niacin if you have severe liver disease, a stomach ulcer, or active bleeding.

What is niacin?

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking niacin ?

You should not take niacin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • 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. You may not be able to use this medicine during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using niacin.

Niacin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take niacin ?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

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 niacin.

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking niacin ?

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.

What are the possible side effects of niacin ?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: 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 side effects may include:

  • flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
  • upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • abnormal liver function tests;
  • itching, dry skin;
  • cough;
  • 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.

What other drugs will affect niacin?

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 affect niacin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about niacin.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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