Niacin (Niaspan) - Cholesterol Treatment Drug : Fine Generics

Generic Name: Niacin
Brand Name: Niaspan

Niacin is used with diet changes to minimize the amount of cholesterol & some fatty substances in your blood. It is also used to used to prevent & treat in cases of pellagra (niacin deficiency), a disease caused by inadequate diet and other medical issues.

How Is It Used?
Recommended oral dose of immediate release niacin for treating high cholesterol levels in adults is 1-2 g two to three times daily. Maximum recommended dose is 6 g daily. When using extended release tablets, the maximum recommended dose is 2 g per day. It should be started at low doses and increased slowly over several weeks. To avoid stomach upset, niacin should be taken with meals.

Are There Possible Side Effects?
Although side effects from niacin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

itching, stinging, tingling, or burning of the skin

If you start experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

What particular precautions should I follow?
Before taking niacin,

Do tell your doctor/pharmacist if you are allergic to niacin, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any other drugs.

Do tell your doctor/pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin), medications for high blood pressure or diabetes and other vitamins. If you take insulin or oral diabetes medication, your dose may need to be changed because niacin may increase the amount of sugar in your blood and urine.

Do tell your doctor/pharmacist if you drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had diabetes; gout; ulcers; allergies; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or gallbladder, heart, or liver disease.

Do tell your doctor/pharmacist if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking niacin, call your doctor.

Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

You should know that niacin causes flushing (redness) of the face and neck. This side effect usually goes away after taking the medicine for a few weeks. Avoid drinking alcohol or hot drinks around the time you take niacin.

What about Interactions with Other Drugs?
Use of niacin with drugs that cause liver injury or muscle injury may increase the occurrence of liver or muscle injury.
Niacin may increase blood glucose levels in diabetics. Therefore, medications for controlling blood glucose levels may need to be adjusted when niacin is taken by diabetic patients.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What If I Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

How Should It Be Stored?
Store at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F). Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Anything Else I Should Know?
Keep all appointments updated with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist/doctor any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.