What is Niacin (Antihyperlipidemic)? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Niacin (Antihyperlipidemic)

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Take this medicine at bedtime with a low-fat snack. This will help decrease stomach upset.

• Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• Extended-release tablet or capsule: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• You may take aspirin at least 30 minutes before you take the extended-release tablet to help reduce flushing. Talk with your doctor about this if you have questions.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Take this medicine at bedtime with a low-fat snack. This will help decrease stomach upset.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Extended-release tablet or capsule: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

• You may take aspirin at least 30 minutes before you take the extended-release tablet to help reduce flushing. Talk with your doctor about this if you have questions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Niacin (Antihyperlipidemic)

Niacin (Antihyperlipidemic) contraindications - Who shouldn't take Niacin (Antihyperlipidemic)?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to niacin.

Niacin (Antihyperlipidemic) warnings

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• If you need to stop taking extended-release niacin, even for a short time, talk to your doctor before you start taking it again. You may need to start back on a lower dose.

• This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly.

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.

• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, gout, heart disease, angina, low blood pressure, thyroid problems, bleeding problems, or stomach ulcers.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsRhabdomyolysis (serious muscle problem when used with statin medicine)High blood sugar levels

Niacin (Antihyperlipidemic) interactions & what to avoid when taking Niacin (Antihyperlipidemic)

• Some foods and medicines can affect how niacin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:AspirinBlood pressure medicineBlood thinner (including warfarin)Statin medicine (including lovastatin, simvastatin)Vitamins or other supplements that contain niacin

• If you are also using cholestyramine, colesevelam, or colestipol, take niacin at least 4 to 6 hours after you take these medicines.

• Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, and spicy foods around the time that you take niacin. This will decrease flushing.

• If you need to stop taking extended-release niacin, even for a short time, talk to your doctor before you start taking it again. You may need to start back on a lower dose.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.