Niacinamide

What do niacin tablets do? NIACIN, also known as Nicotinic Acid or Vitamin B₃, (Niacor(R), Nicolar(R)) is a B-vitamin that occurs naturally in foods, such as meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, and enriched cereal grains. Proper amounts of niacin are obtained in our diets daily. Niacin supplements are occasionally prescribed to treat pellagra, a serious but rare niacin-deficiency disorder. Niacin is available in many multivitamins in small amounts. Generic niacin tablets are available. However, check with your prescriber before changing the type of niacin you are taking.
Large doses of nicotinic acid, a form of niacin, are prescribed to help decrease the amount of fatty substances in the blood, known as cholesterol and triglycerides. Nicotinic acid is used in patients who cannot control their blood fats by diet alone. Nicotinic acid is occasionally used to help people with poor blood circulation. Niacin should not be used to treat high cholesterol without a prescription.
Niacinamide, a different form of niacin, is available without a prescription as a vitamin supplement, but it does not help lower cholesterol or treat blood circulation problems. Do not use niacinamide to treat these conditions.

What should my health care professional know before I take niacin? They need to know if you have any of these conditions: low blood counts, platelets, or bleeding problems, diabetes, gallbladder disease, gout, heart disease or a history of heart attack, liver disease, low blood pressure or taking medications to lower blood pressure, ulcers of intestine or stomach. an unusual or allergic reaction to niacin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives, pregnant or trying or get pregnant, breast-feeding.

How should I take this medicine? Take niacin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take niacin with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.  If you are taking niacin for a medical condition (such as to lower cholesterol levels), your prescriber or health care professional may have you start with low doses, with slow increases in the dose to help your body become use to the medicine. If you also take cholestyramine or colestipol to lower your cholesterol, you should take your niacin at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after a dose of these medications.

What if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What other medicines can interact with niacin?  Alcohol, aspirin, atorvastatin, cerivastatin, cholestyramine, colestipol, fluvastatin, certain medicines that lower blood pressure (e.g., diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil), clonidine, lovastatin, nitroglycerin, pravastatin, simvastatin, warfarin.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking niacin? Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: dark yellow or brown urine, fainting spells, grayish stool color, palpitations, shortness of breath, wheezing, skin rash and itching, stomach pain or heartburn, nausea, vomiting, weakness or tiredness.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness, dry skin, flushing, warmth, and burning or tingling of the skin, headache.

What do I need to watch for while I take niacin? Do not take more niacin than prescribed. Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress if you are taking niacin for medical reasons and not as a vitamin supplement. You may get dizzy, faint, or have blurred vision; until you know how niacin affects you, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person.
Do not drink hot drinks or alcohol at the same time you take your niacin dose. Hot drinks and alcohol can increase the flushing caused by niacin, which can be uncomfortable. Alcohol also can increase possible dizziness. If you are taking niacin to reduce your cholesterol, remember that it is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your health care professional or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.

Where can I keep my medicine? Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degreesC (59 and 86 degreesF). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional