Medications and Drugs

Cholesterol Drugs Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: NIACIN EXTENDED RELEASE - ORAL (NYE-uh-sin)

BRAND NAME(S): Niaspan

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used, along with dietary measures and possibly other medications, to improve blood cholesterol or lower fats (called triglycerides or lipids) in the blood. Proper treatment may prevent heart disease, strokes and other diseases.

HOW TO USE: Take this by mouth, generally at bedtime after a low-fat snack. Take this exactly as directed by your doctor. Therapy begins with a lower dose and is gradually increased in order to minimize side effects. This is true even if you are switched from another niacin product (e.g., regular tablets) or if you stop using extended release niacin for more than a few days. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop taking this medicine unless instructed to do so. Stopping niacin may require returning to your original dose and gradually increasing again. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to learn how to properly use this medicine. Swallow this product whole. Do not break, crush or chew before swallowing. Dosage is adjusted based on your condition and response to treatment. Separate doses of niacin from bile acid resin drugs (e.g., colestipol or cholestyramine) by at least six hours, since the bile resin drugs can prevent niacin absorption into your system.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause flushing and a feeling of warmth about the face and neck within the first two hours of taking a dose. Itching, tingling, or headache may occur as well. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: vision problems, dark urine, stomach (abdominal) pain, yellowing eyes or skin, irregular heartbeat, black stools, increased urination, muscle aches/pain. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms include: rash, swelling, dizziness or fainting, trouble breathing. To minimize the flushing effect (redness, itch) take a plain (not enteric coated) 325 mg aspirin tablet (or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen) 30 minutes before each niacin dose. After a few weeks, this flushing effect should stop occurring, or decrease in intensity. Also, avoid alcohol or hot beverages near the time of the niacin dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.