Niaspan (Oral)

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Niaspan (Oral) Drug and Prescription Information

Niaspan (Oral)

Niaspan (Oral) Medication Classification

NIACIN (By mouth)

Niaspan (Oral) Brandname

Niaspan, Slo-Niacin, Niacor, Niacin, Nicotinex, Niacinol

Niaspan (Oral) is used for the Treatment

Niacin (NYE-a-sin) Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and treats niacin deficiency (pellagra). Also reduces heart attack risk and narrowing of the arteries in people who have heart disease. This medicine is a vitamin (B3).

When To Not Use Niaspan (Oral)

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to niacin, or if you have severe liver disease, a bleeding disorder, or ulcers.

How Should You Use Niaspan (Oral)

Liquid, Capsule, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Long Acting Capsule

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet or exercise program.
  • If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
  • If you are switching to this medicine from another form of niacin, ask your doctor about the correct dose. The dose of niacin may be different in other forms of this medicine.
  • It is best to take this medicine at bedtime with a low-fat meal or snack.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
  • Swallow the extended-release capsule or extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew.
    • If a dose is missed:
  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Proper Niaspan (Oral) Storage

Store Niaspan (Oral) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep Niaspan (Oral) and all medications out of the reach of children.

What To Avoid While Using Niaspan (Oral)

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using other medicine to lower cholesterol (such as Lipitor®, Zocor®), heart or blood pressure medicine (such as Lotrel®, Procardia®, Cardura®, Hytrin®), a nitrate medicine (such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or vitamin supplements. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol on a regular basis.
  • If you are also taking other medicines to lower cholesterol, take them at least 4 hours before or after you take niacin.

Niaspan (Oral) Warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, angina (chest pain), gout, kidney disease, thyroid problems, low blood pressure, or have ever had ulcers, liver disease, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. Be careful if you get out of bed during the night. Tell your doctor if you have severe dizziness or fainting.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
  • You may feel warmth, redness, itching, or tingling in the face, neck, arms, or upper chest while using this medicine. This is called "flushing," and it usually improves after you have been taking niacin on a regular basis for awhile. To help prevent flushing, do not drink alcohol or hot drinks at the same time you take niacin. Also, ask your doctor if you can take aspirin or an anti-inflammatory medicine 30 minutes before taking niacin.
  • If you stop using this medicine for several days, talk to your doctor before you start using it again. You many need to start with a smaller dose.

Niaspan (Oral) Side Effects

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
  • Unusual tiredness, fever, nausea
  • Yellow skin or eyes, dark-colored urine or pale stools
    • If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
  • Mild nausea, vomiting

Niaspan (Oral) Ratings

Overall Rating:

3.5***~

 

(based on 2 reviews)

Effectiveness:

****

Ease of Use:

****

Overall Satisfaction:

**~

Reviewit

Reviews

Niaspan (Oral)
3.5

Effectiveness: ***

Ease of Use: *****

Overall Satisfaction: **

Avatar_thumbnail

kenny, renfrewshire,scotland - 05/19/2010

I have been taking Niaspan for over a year. My current dose is 500mg four times per day. Since beginning this medication my triglycerides have been reduced to 78 from the original 600. My cholesterol level has increased two points even while on a fat restricted diet. I do however have a hard time staying true to a low fat diet. I am not able to take statin drugs due the side affects on my liver. The side effects I have experienced with this drug are, toe and feet cramps, knee and hip pain, and extreme flushing of my face and arms. I take all four pills with my evening meal, but after reading other reviews I will try taking them before bed to see if it will reduce my side effects. I have heard of other possible side effects, but have not personally experienced any of them. I do not feel completely safe taking this drug, but I am not sure what else to do.

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Niaspan (Oral)
3.5

Effectiveness: *****

Ease of Use: ***

Overall Satisfaction: ***

Avatar_thumbnail

MIA, Gulfport, MS - 03/15/2008

I recently dropped off my Niaspan Oral prescription, so it could be refilled. When they called me to let me know it was ready, I went to pick it up. I noticed that the pills looked different this time and I was concerned. I also noticed flushing in my face that I did not experience with my last refill. Abbott, the producers of Niaspan Oral, notified me when I called them, that they now produce the drug themselves. I asked them if the formula had changed and they said it had not, but I'm having trouble believing that to be true. I have now switched back to the remainder of my previous prescription and have not noticed any change in the facial flushing. I have used Niaspan for several years and need to find an alternative. I cannot take Statins due to the effects on my liver enzyme levels. If anyone can help with advice on this subject, it would be greatly appreciated.

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