Niacor

Niacin Drug Information

• Niacor Overview

  Niacin (nicotinic acid) is used to prevent and treat niacin deficiency (pellagra). Niacin deficiency may result from certain medical conditions (such as alcohol abuse, malabsorption syndrome, Hartnup disease), poor diet, or long-term use of certain medications (such as isoniazid). Niacin deficiency can cause diarrhea, confusion (dementia), tongue redness/swelling, and peeling red skin. Niacin is also known as vitamin B3, one of the B-complex vitamins. Vitamins help to support the body's ability to make and break down natural compounds (metabolism) needed for good health. Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is a different form of vitamin B3 and does not work the same as niacin. Do not substitute unless directed by your doctor. Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you.

• How to Use Niacor

  Take Niacor by mouth with a low-fat meal or snack as directed by your doctor, usually 1-3 times daily. Taking niacin on an empty stomach increases side effects (such as flushing, upset stomach). Follow all directions on the product package. If your doctor has prescribed Niacor, take it as directed. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Niacin is available in different formulations (such as immediate and sustained release). Do not switch between strengths, brands, or forms of niacin. Severe liver problems may occur. Swallow extended-release capsules whole. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. To lessen the chance of side effects such as flushing, avoid alcohol, hot beverages, and eating spicy foods near the time you take niacin. Taking a plain (non-enteric coated, 325 milligram) aspirin or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as ibuprofen, 200 milligrams) 30 minutes before taking niacin may help prevent flushing. Ask your doctor if this treatment is right for you. If you also take certain other drugs to lower cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take niacin at least 4 to 6 hours before or after taking these medications. These products interact with niacin, preventing its full absorption. Continue to take other medications to lower your cholesterol as directed by your doctor. The Dosage of Niacor is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you are taking this for lipid problems, your doctor may direct you to start Niacor at a low dose and gradually increase your dose to reduce your risk of side effects. Your dose will need to be increased slowly even if you are already taking niacin and are being switched from another niacin product to Niacor. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not stop taking this medicine unless instructed by your doctor. If you stop taking niacin, you may need to return to your original dose and gradually increase it again. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for instructions on restarting your dose if you have not taken your medication for several days. Use Niacor regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

• Niacor Precautions

  Before taking niacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Niacor may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. If you have any of the following health problems,very low blood pressure, alcohol use, history of bleeding problems (such as low platelets), diabetes, gallbladder disease, glaucoma, gout, heart disease (such as recent heart attack, unstable angina), kidney disease, liver disease/increase in liver enzymes, untreated mineral imbalance (low phosphate levels), history of stomach/intestinal ulcers, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Niacor may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Niacor may rarely make your blood sugar rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. During pregnancy, Niacor should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Niacor passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Niacor Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Niacor, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Niacor Interactions

  See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval."blood thinners" (such as warfarin, heparins). Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since vitamins/dietary supplements may also contain niacin or niacinamide (nicotinamide). These may increase your risk of side effects if taken together. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Niacor may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including urine or blood catecholamines, copper-based urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Niacor.

• Niacor Side Effects

  What are Niacor side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Niacor may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Niacor as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Niacor

  The side effects of Niacor may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Niacor. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Niacor may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Niacor, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Niacor.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Niacor, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Niacor and the side effects associated with Niacor are described in the following:

  Common Niacor Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • dyspepsia
  • pruritus of skin
  • flushing
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • cough

  Less Frequent Niacor Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • hypophosphatemia
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • cardiac arrhythmia
  • exacerbation of peptic ulcer
  • dry skin
  • myalgias
  • syncope
  • dizziness
  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • hyperuricemia
  • hyperglycemia

  Rare or Very Rare Niacor Side Effects

  Severe

  • laryngismus
  • drug-induced hepatitis
  • paresthesia
  • edema
  • jaundice
  • dyspnea
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • myopathy
  • anaphylaxis
  • angioedema
  • urticaria
  • macular retinal edema

  Less Severe

  • hypoprothrombinemia
  • orthostatic hypotension
  • migraine
  • muscle weakness
  • insomnia
  • general weakness
  • hyperhidrosis
  • chills
  • skin rash
  • hypotension
  • flatulence
  • eructation
  • nervousness
  • blurred vision
  • dyschromia
  • palpitations

• Niacor Storage

  Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Niacor when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.