What is Niacor: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Oct 9, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Niacor overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Nature's Blend Niacin, Niacor, Niaspan, PharmAssure Niacin, Slo-Niacin, PharmAssure Niacin, Slo-Niacin, Slo-Niacin, Slo-Niacin

Generic Names:

  • Niacin (Antihyperlipidemic)

Uses:

  • Treats high cholesterol and triglyceride levels and niacin deficiency. Also reduces heart attack risk and slows narrowing of the arteries.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihyperlipidemic, Nutriceutical, Nutritive Agent

Forms:

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

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Niacor used for?

What form(s) does Niacor come in

  • Capsule

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Niacor doses?

  • Tablet 500MG

Common Niacor prescriptions

  • Niacor
    500mg tablet

How to take Niacor

  • 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 Niacor

Niacor contraindications

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

Niacor 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

Niacor interactions

  • 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.

Niacor side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

  • Mild nausea or vomiting, diarrhea

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