Why is Niaspan prescribed?

Niacin (Niaspan) is prescribed alone or in combination with other medications and a proper, healthy diet to reduce elevated cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood caused by a poor eating lifestyle.

What does it do?

Niacin, classified as a Nicotinic Acid and a water-soluble vitamin B3, is also considered as a lipid lowering agent that primarily works by reduction of fatty acid absorption in the tissues and increase the activity of lipoprotein lipase which is responsible in decreasing triglyceride levels; thus, breaking down unnecessary fats in the bloodstream.

How should I take it?

Niaspan and its generic equivalents are available as 50mg, 100mg, 250mg and 500mg tablets. It is intended for oral administration as a whole, not to be crushed or chewed, and should be taken ate bedtime as directed by the doctor.

The dosage strength depends on every patient’s condition and the doctor’s prescription. It is strictly advised that you do not self-medicate and only take this drug after consulting with your doctor or pharmacist to determine the best dosage and dosing schedule for the treatment of your condition.

What if I missed a dose?

Taking the dose properly at the scheduled time is needed to attain the desired effect of the drug. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and catch the next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses just to make up for your missed dose.

What are the special precautions before using Niaspan?

Before taking Niacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies to food or to the drug itself as it may contain several inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or problems.

Inform your doctor about your past and current medical history, especially if you have or have had low blood pressure, low white blood cell count, diabetes, gall bladder disease, glaucoma, heart disease, unstable angina, gout, kidney disease, liver disease, hypothyroidism and ulcer.

Avoid drinking alcohol as this may cause dizziness and drowsiness and can add to the effects of Niacin.

Consult your doctor regarding all the other medications you use before getting a surgery.

Note: The use of Lovastatin may cause an elevation of blood sugar levels. Frequent laboratory test is recommended.

For the drug label information of Niaspan, click here.

Does it have any side effects?

It is important to know that all drugs exhibit side effects and adverse reactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Common side effects include:
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Gas
• Insomnia
• Leg cramps
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Tingly feeling of the skin
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Warmth

Serious side effects include:
• Black stool
• Burning sensation of skin
• Cataract progression
• Dark colored urine
• Dysrhythmia
• Dyspnea
• Fainting
• Jaundice
• Peripheral nerve palsy
• Vision problems

Is it safe to use it with another drug?

Some drug interactions may cause life-threatening reactions when taken with other medications. Immediately inform your doctor if you are taking Niaspan with any of the following medications:

• Adalat
• Aspirin
• Atorvastatin
• Carbatrol
• Caduet
• Cefamandole
• Cholestyramine
• Colestipol
• Coumadin
• Crestor
• Erythromycin
• Exforge
• Glucophage
• Isoniazid
• Isoptin
• Isordil dinitrate
• Jantoven
• Lescol
• Livalo
• Lotrel
• Minocycline
• Mipomersen
• Nicardipine
• Nimotop
• Norvasc
• Omadacycline
• Pravaz
• Vibra
• Zocor

If you are using any prescription, non-prescription and herbal medications, inform your doctor and pharmacist for proper information and ask for other possible interactions not listed within this section.

Note: Bile acid-binding resin drugs such as Colestipol and Cholestyramine prevents the full absorption of Niacin. Consult your doctor for proper recommendation.

How should I store it?

Store Niaspan in room temperature (25°C) in a clean environment away from light and moisture. Do not refrigerate. Keep away from children. Do not remove the desiccant in the original container. Throw away if unused or expired. Do not flush in the toilet. Consult the pharmacist for proper disposal.

What action should I take in case of overdose?

If you suspect an overdose, immediately call an ambulance and seek immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.

Is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There are only limited studies and data regarding the safety of Niacin to determine drug-associated risks of major maternal defects, miscarriages and fetal outcomes. However, as per US FDA, Niacin is categorized as Pregnancy Category C which states that no potential harm and well-controlled studies have been done in humans; but animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus.

The presence of Niacin in human milk is still unknown.

The use of Niacin in pregnant and breastfeeding women should be avoided unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

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