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Niacin - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Niacin Medication Information

Learn everything you need to know about Niacin-pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and when to take or avoid it.

Get up-to-date information on side effects, precautions, warnings, and proper storage to ensure safe usage.

Explore Niacin brand names commonly used in India and internationally, along with detailed pricing information. Consult your healthcare provider for tailored medical advice.

Generic Name : Niacin
Pronunciation : nye' a sin
ICD Code : Y51.1 Therapeutic Classification : Vitamins

Brand Names or Trade Names of Niacin

International :


Niacor, Niaspan, Slo-Niacin, Nicolar

Why is Niacin Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an antihyperlipidemic agent, prescribed for hyperlipidemia.  Niacin is a B-complex vitamin.

When should Niacin not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with ulcer, severe liver disease, arterial bleeding, and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Niacin?

Adult: PO-The daily dosage is 500 mg in any 4—week period. The recommended maintenance dose is 1000 to 2000mg.

How should Niacin be taken?

It comes as a tablet, capsule, and liquid to take by mouth, with food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Niacin?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of chest pain, sugar, increased eye pressure, gout, recent heart attack, kidney or liver problems, low blood pressure, low blood minerals, muscle problems, peptic ulcers, thyroid deficiency, any allergy, who are taking other medications, children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• Avoid alcohol consumption.

• It may affect blood counts, avoid bruising or injury.

What are the side effects of Niacin?

Most Common - Flushing, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, increased cough and itching.
Gastrointestinal - Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and increased cough.
Skin - Rash.
Heart - Flushing.

What are the other precautions for Niacin?

Avoid excess dosage.

What are the storage conditions for Niacin?

Store it at room temperature 20° to 25°C.

Niacin : Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does niacin help with high cholesterol?

A: Niacin can help increase the level of good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) in the blood. Niacin lowers the synthesis of triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein, and LDL cholesterol, by reducing the mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue(1 Trusted Source
Niacin for dyslipidemia: considerations in product selection

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).

Q: What is a niacin flush?

A: Niacin flush is a flushing of the skin caused by high doses of niacin supplements. It causes tingling, itching, and redness in the face, neck, arms, and upper chest. Niacin flush is harmless and lasts for less than one hour(2 Trusted Source
Niacin

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).

Q: What happens if alcohol is taken with Niacin?

A: Patients should avoid alcohol during niacin administration because it increases the risk of itching and flushing of skin(3 Trusted Source
Niacin

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).

Q: Who should avoid taking Niacin?

A: Niacin is not recommended for patients with  active peptic ulcer disease, active liver disease, arterial bleeding, or hypersensitivity to the drug(3 Trusted Source
Niacin

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).

Q: What are the natural sources of niacin?

A: Liver, meat and meat products, fish, milk, eggs, enriched breads and cereals, peanuts, legumes, and whole grains are all good sources of niacin(4 Trusted Source
Dietary Intake and Food Sources of Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamin and Vitamin B6 in a Representative Sample of the Spanish Population. The ANIBES Study †

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).


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