B-3-50

Niacin is a prescription medication used to lower high cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. Niacin is a B-complex vitamin which may work by increasing the breakdown and removal of certain fats in the blood by increasing the activity of a certain enzyme.

This medication comes in tablet form and is usually taken once daily at night after a low-fat snack. Swallow niacin tablets whole. Niacin ER is an extended-release form of niacin, and is also taken once daily at bedtime after a low-fat snack.

Common side effects of niacin include warmth and redness of the face, rash, diarrhea, and nausea.

Niacin is a prescription medicine used with diet and exercise to increase the good cholesterol (HDL) and lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and fats (triglycerides) in your blood. Niacin can be used by itself or with other cholesterol-lowering medicines. Niacin is also used to lower the risk of heart attack in people who have had a heart attack and have high cholesterol.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Do not take niacin if you have:

• liver problems
• a stomach ulcer
• bleeding problems
• an allergy to niacin or any of the ingredients in niacin.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Niacin is excreted into human breast milk. It is not known if niacin will harm your nursing baby.

If you take too much niacin, call your local Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical attention right away.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Niacin is sometimes taken at bedtime with a low-fat snack. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Niacin can cause certain side effects, such as flushing (warmth, itching, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin). These effects can be made worse if you drink alcohol or hot beverages shortly after you take niacin. These effects should disappear over time as you keep taking the medication.

Take niacin with a full glass of cold or cool water. Taking the medication with a hot drink may increase your risk of side effects such as flushing.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Niacin extended-release tablets and capsules contain higher strengths of the medicine than the regular niacin tablets. Take only the dose that is correct for the type of niacin tablet or capsule you are using.

Niacin can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests (urine tests). Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using niacin.

If you stop taking niacin for any length of time, talk with your doctor before starting the medication again. You may need to restart the medication at a lower dose.

While using niacin, you may need blood tests at your doctor's office. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be checked. Visit your doctor regularly.

Niacin is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Be sure to take the missed dose with food if you normally take your niacin dose with a meal or snack.

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, itching, vomiting, upset stomach, and flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

-Mild to moderate liver dysfunction with alcohol use: No specific dose adjustment guidelines have been suggested; however, caution is recommended.
-Severe or unexplained hepatic dysfunction: Contraindicated