What is Slo-Niacin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Oct 9, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Slo-Niacin overview

BRAND NAMES:

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

Generic Names:

  • Niacin Er

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 Slo-Niacin used for?

Niacin ER contains vitamin B3 and is used to treat and prevent a lack of natural niacin in the body. It reduces the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood and to increase the amount of high density lipoprotein or ‘good cholesterol’. Niacin ER is also treats atherosclerosis; coronary artery disease.

What form(s) does Slo-Niacin come in

  • Capsule

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Slo-Niacin doses?

  • Bottle 100 Tablets Extended Release

  • Tablet Extended Release 500MG

Common Slo-Niacin prescriptions

  • Slo-Niacin
    100 tablets extended release bottle

  • Slo-Niacin
    150 tablets extended release bottle

  • Slo-Niacin
    60 tablets extended release bottle

  • Slo-Niacin
    500mg tablet extended release

  • Slo-Niacin
    750mg tablet extended release

How to take Slo-Niacin

  • 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 Slo-Niacin

Slo-Niacin contraindications

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

Slo-Niacin 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

Slo-Niacin 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.

Slo-Niacin 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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