Niacin – what it is for, how to take it and contraindications!

Niacin , also called nicotinic acid, is a B vitamin ( vitamin B3 ). It occurs naturally in plants and animals and is also added to many foods as a vitamin supplement.

It is also present in many multiple vitamins and nutritional supplements. Niacin is used to treat and prevent a lack of natural Niacin in the body and to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood.

It is also used to lower the risk of heart attack in people with high cholesterol who have already had a heart attack. It is sometimes used to treat coronary artery disease (also called atherosclerosis ).

How should I take niacin?

Use Niacin exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Niacin is sometimes taken at bedtime with a low-fat snack. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Niacin can cause some side effects, such as flushing (heat, itching, redness, or a tingling sensation under the skin). These effects can be made worse if you drink alcohol or hot drinks right after taking Niacin . These effects should wear off over time as you continue to take the medication.

Take Niacin with a full glass of cold or cold water. Taking the drug with a hot drink can increase your risk of side effects, such as flushing. Do not crush, chew, break or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow it all. Breaking or opening the pill can cause the drug to be released all at once.

Extended-release tablets and capsules contain a higher concentration of the drug than regular tablets. Only take the correct dose for the type of Niacin tablet or capsule you are using.

Niacin can cause unusual results with certain medical tests (urine tests). Tell any doctor treating you that you are using this medicine. If you stop taking Niacin for any length of time, talk to your doctor before starting the medication again. You may need to restart medication at a lower dose.

While using Niacin , you may need blood tests at your doctor’s office. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be checked. Visit your doctor regularly.

Niacin is just part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet , exercise, weight management and other medications. Follow your diet , medication and exercise routines very closely. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Niacin dosage:

Check out the recommended dosage of Niacin below :

Usual Adult Dose For Type IV Hyperlipoproteinemia (Elevated VLDL):

• Initial dose: 100 mg orally 3 times daily, with or after meals.
• Maintenance dose: 1 to 2 g orally 3 times a day, with or after meals.
• The maximum recommended dose is 6 g/day.

Extended release (Niaspan):

• Starting dose: 500 mg orally once daily at bedtime after a low-fat snack.
• The maximum recommended dose is 2 g/day.

Extended release (Slo-niacin):

Starting dose: 250 to 750 mg orally once daily in the morning or evening.

Usual Adult Dose For Type V Hyperlipoproteinemia (Elevated Chylomicrons + VLDL):

• Initial dose: 100 mg orally 3 times daily with or after
• meals.
  Maintenance dose: 1 to 2 g orally 3 times a day, with or after meals.
• The maximum recommended dose is 6 g/day.

Extended release (Niaspan):

• Starting dose: 500 mg orally once daily at bedtime after a low-fat snack.
• The maximum recommended dose is 2 g/day.

Extended release (Slo-niacin):

• Starting dose: 250 to 750 mg orally once daily in the morning or evening.

Usual Adult Dose for Pellagra:

• 50 to 100 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day.
• The maximum recommended dose is 500 mg orally each day.

Usual Adult Dose for Niacin Deficiency:

• 10 to 20 mg orally once daily. Niacin can also be administered parenterally as a component of injectable multivitamin additives contained in parenteral nutrition products.
• The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg orally each day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pellagra:

• 50 to 100 mg orally 3 times a day.

Note: Some experts prefer niacinamide for treatment due to a more favorable side effect profile.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Niacin Deficiency:

Doses are Recommended Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA):

• 1 to 5 months: 2 mg orally each day.
• 6 to 11 months: 3 mg orally daily.
• 1 to 3 years: 6 mg orally per day.
• 4 to 8 years: 8 mg orally per day.
• 9 to 13 years: 12 mg orally per day.

Man:

• 14 to 18 years: 16 mg orally each day.

Women:

• 14 to 18 years: 14 mg orally per day.

Niacin can also be administered parenterally as a component of injectable multivitamin additives contained in parenteral nutrition products.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Be sure to take the missed dose with food if you normally take your Niacin dose with a meal or snack. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, dizziness, itching, vomiting , stomach pain, and flushing (feeling hot, red or tingling).

What should I avoid taking niacin?

Avoid drinking hot drinks right after taking Niacin . Hot drinks can worsen the flushing effect (warmth, itching, redness or tingling sensation under the skin). Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Niacin . Alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage and can also worsen the flushing effects of this medication.

Contraindications:

Avoid taking colestipol or cholestyramine at the same time as taking Niacin . If you take any of these medicines, take them at least 4 to 6 hours before or after taking this medicine.

Niacin is just part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet , exercise, weight management and other medications. Follow your diet , medication and exercise routines very closely.

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to niacin , or if you have severe liver disease, a stomach ulcer, or active bleeding. To make sure you can safely take Niacin , tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• Liver or kidney disease;
• Heart disease or uncontrolled angina (chest pain)
• A stomach ulcer ;
• Diabetes;
• drop ;
• A muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.

Side effects:

Niacin can cause some side effects, such as flushing (heat, itching, redness, or a tingling sensation under the skin). These effects can be made worse if you drink alcohol or hot drinks right after taking Niacin . These effects should wear off over time as you continue to take the medication.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Niacin such as: hives ; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. And call your doctor right away if you have any of these serious side effects:

• Feeling that you might pass out;
• Fast, fast, or irregular heartbeats;
• Feeling short of breath;
• Swelling;
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• Dor muscular;
• Tenderness or weakness with fever ;
• Flu symptoms and dark colored urine.

If you are diabetic, tell your doctor about any changes in your blood sugar levels. Less serious side effects of this nutrient include:

• Slight dizziness;
• Heat, redness or tingling sensation under the skin;
• Itchy, dry skin;
• Sweating or chills;
• Nausea, diarrhea , belching, gas;
• Muscle pain, leg cramps;
• Sleep problems (insomnia).

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your physician to ensure that the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.