Niaspan – Indication Niacin Extended-Release Tablets

Niacin Extended-Release Tablets (generic option for Niaspan) are used, in combination with diet and exercise, to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attack by slowing or treating the hardening of arteries and lowering high serum triglyceride levels. Niacin Extended-Release Tablets may also be prescribed to combat heart disease, clogged arteries or to lower the chance of a repeated heart attack.

Storage

• Store Niacin Extended-Release Tablets at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.
• Do not store this medication in the bathroom.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Precautions

• Consult with your physician before using Niacin Extended-Release Tablets and tell them if you have any medical conditions or allergies, if you are taking any other medications, or if you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Niacin Extended-Release Tablets can cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Do not drive or perform potentially unsafe tasks until you are aware of how this medication affects you.
• Avoid getting up too fast from a lying or sitting position, especially in the middle of the night or the morning. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent falling.

Warnings

• Consult with your physician before combining Niacin Extended-Release Tablets with aspirin, anticoagulants, fibrates, vitamins, alcohol, hot drinks, cholesterol lowering drugs, or other nutritional supplements containing niacin.
• The effects of Niacin Extended-Release Tablets during pregnancy have not been determined.
• Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breast-feeding.
• Niacin Extended-Release Tablets are found in breast milk and may cause harm to a baby.

Patient Family Information

• Niacin Extended-Release Tablets should be used as prescribed by your physician.
• Follow the directions on the medication label for exact instructions.
• Do not take more or for longer than has been prescribed to you.
• Take Niacin Extended-Release Tablets with a full glass of cool water at bedtime.
• It is usually recommended that it be taken with a low-fat snack (a glass of milk, crackers, yogurt) and not on an empty stomach.
• Niacin Extended-Release Tablets should be swallowed whole – do not break, crush, or chew the tablets.
• Niacin Extended-Release Tablets can cause flushing and the effects of this can be made worse if you drink hot beverages or alcohol shortly after taking the medication.
• If you miss a dose of Niacin Extended-Release Tablets, take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If you do not remember until it is time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
• Do not take two doses at one time to make up for a missed dose.

Contraindication

• Do not drink hot beverages or alcohol after taking Niacin Extended-Release Tablets as this can worsen the effects of flushing.
• Alcohol can also increase your risk of liver damage.
• Do not take Colestid, Locholest, Questran, or Prevalite at the same time as Niacin Extended-Release Tablets.
• If you are taking any of these medications, take them at least 4-6 hours before or after you take Niacin Extended-Release Tablets.
• Do not take large doses of vitamins while you are taking Niacin Extended-Release Tablets unless you have been instructed to do so by your physician.

Severe Side Effects of Niacin Extended-Release Tablets

Severe side effects include:

• Swelling
• Feeling light-headed
• Fainting
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats
• Jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
• Feeling short of breath
• Muscle pain
• Tenderness or weakness with fever or flu symptoms
• Dark colored urine

Common Side Effects of Niacin Extended-Release Tablets

Common side effects include:

• Warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin
• Itching, dry skin
• Sweating or chills
• Mild dizziness
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Belching, gas
• Muscle pain
• Leg cramps
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Nasal inflammation
• Rash
• Sweating
• Vomiting

Other Drugs

Norpace CR | Cardene | Azor

References

2002. Niaspan – Uses, Side Effects, and More. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4467/niaspan-oral/details