Niacin is a type of B vitamin that is available in the form of prescription drugs and dietary supplements. This eMedTV page explores the benefits of niacin, offers dosing information for the product, and lists potential side effects that may occur.
Niacin appears to be very beneficial for improving cholesterol levels. This article from the eMedTV archives discusses other possible niacin benefits and explores the effectiveness of the vitamin for these specific uses.
Common niacin side effects include indigestion or heartburn, headaches, and flushing. This page on the eMedTV Web site lists other common problems with this medicine and also describes potentially serious adverse effects that require medical attention.
Niacin is known to cause flushing, especially on the face and trunk. This part of the eMedTV library describes this side effect, known as the niacin flush, in more detail and explains how you can help improve (or even eliminate) this problem.
It is important to know that different types of niacin are not interchangeable. This eMedTV page describes the various types of niacin based on chemical composition, the different release forms, and over-the-counter versus prescription products.
To prevent side effects, it is recommended to start with a low niacin dosage and increase it slowly. As this eMedTV Web page explains, niacin dosing will vary depending on how you respond to the vitamin and the specific niacin product you are taking.
Statins, aspirin, and warfarin are some of the medications that may cause niacin drug interactions. This eMedTV segment lists other products that may interact with niacin and describes the potentially negative effects of these drug interactions.
Niacin can increase blood sugar in people with diabetes. This eMedTV segment lists other conditions that can be worsened with the use of niacin. Warnings and precautions on who should not use this vitamin are also included in this article.
If you take too much niacin, overdose symptoms may include stomach upset, diarrhea, and flushing. This eMedTV resource explores other possible effects of a niacin overdose and describes various treatment options that are available.
Niacin (at high doses) has not been studied in pregnant animals or humans. This eMedTV Web page further discusses niacin and pregnancy, and explains what is considered to be a safe niacin dosage for pregnant women.
It is not known if taking high doses of niacin can cause problems in a nursing infant. This eMedTV article provides more information on niacin and breastfeeding, and lists the recommended dietary allowance for lactating women.
Some, but not all, niacin products are currently available in generic form. This segment from the eMedTV Web site describes which generic niacin products are available and explains why there are no generic versions of niacin dietary supplements.
