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Home > Drug Category > Cholesterol Medications > Niacin and Equivalent

Niacin Information

Niacin (Nicotinic Acid) is used to prevent and treat niacin deficiency. Niacin is also known as vitamin B3, and its deficiency may result from certain medical conditions, poor diet, and long-term use of medicines. Nicotinic acid, like Niacin, reduces the amount of bad cholesterol and triglycerides produced by the body. Your doctor will recommend Niacin as part of a treatment program that includes exercise, diet, weight control, and other medications.

Niacin Side Effects

The most common side effects of Niacin may include flushing, upset stomach, diarrhea, and skin discoloration. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Irregular heartbeats;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Unexplained muscle pain;
• Vision problems

Niacin Precautions

Do not use Niacin if you are allergic to Nicotinic Acid or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have active bleeding, gout, hypothyroidism, low blood pressure, severe liver disease, stomach ulcer, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Niacin and other medications, such as aspirin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, phenytoin, warfarin, etc. Do not use Niacin if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is not known whether Nicotinic Acid will harm an unborn baby. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this drug in pregnancy with your doctor. Do not use Niacin while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. It is unknown if Nicotinic Acid passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Do not give this drug to children without talking to your doctor.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Niacin comes as a tablet. Swallow the drug with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet. Take this drug with a low-fat meal or snack. Taking Niacin on an empty stomach can increase its side effects. This medicine can cause dizziness. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position to prevent dizziness. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall. If you stop taking Niacin for any length of time, talk with your doctor before starting the medication again. Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol. They can reduce the effectiveness of Niain. Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can increase your risk of liver damage and also worsen the flushing effects of Niacin. Niacin is only part of a complete treatment program that may include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Store Niacin at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Niacin?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Niacin.