Niaspan is a prescription drug that lowers cholesterol and triglycerides in people who cannot lower their cholesterol through lifestyle changes alone. This eMedTV page covers Niaspan's uses, how it works, and how and when to take it.
As this eMedTV segment explains, flushing of the face and neck occurs in up to 88 percent of people who take Niaspan. This page also covers Niaspan side effects like headache, diarrhea, and stomach pain, and gives statistics on how often they occur.
This page on the eMedTV Web site lists things you can do if you're taking Niaspan and weight gain occurs, such as getting regular physical activity and eating a diet that features lean meats, nuts, and lots of fruits and vegetables.
This eMedTV article suggests some remedies to try if you're taking Niaspan and insomnia becomes a problem, such as keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle and napping no later than 3 p.m. The article also lists common symptoms of insomnia.
As this eMedTV article explains, muscle pain is a rare Niaspan side effect. However, if you're taking Niaspan and muscle pain occurs, it could signify a very serious muscle condition. This page lists symptoms to report to your doctor right away.
This eMedTV page addresses numerous precautions and warnings related to Niaspan and liver problems, such as symptoms that may signify liver problems while you're taking Niaspan and pre-existing liver conditions that may preclude taking the drug at all.
This eMedTV page covers Niaspan uses, such as lowering cholesterol and triglycerides and reducing the chance of another heart attack in people with a history of a heart attack and high cholesterol. This page also covers how Niaspan works in the body.
The starting dose of Niaspan is 500 mg every night at bedtime. This eMedTV article lists the maximum recommended Niaspan dosage (2000 mg per day), as well as factors that affect Niaspan dosing (for example, the condition you're being treated for).
As this eMedTV page explains, Niaspan drug interactions can increase a person's risk of bleeding and cause dizziness and lightheadedness, among other things. This page lists drugs that Niaspan can interact with, such as warfarin, aspirin, and Calan.
Some conditions to tell your doctor about before taking Niaspan include diabetes, gout, and liver failure. This eMedTV page also discusses the safety of pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Niaspan, among other Niaspan precautions and warnings.
Previous animal studies of Niaspan and pregnancy suggest that Niaspan could potentially harm a fetus. As this eMedTV page explains, a pregnant woman may take Niaspan if her doctor believes that its benefits outweigh the possible risk to the fetus.
Niaspan is not available in generic form at this time. This segment from the eMedTV archives explains when it may become available and discusses the difference between a generic drug and its "generic name."
Niaspan alternatives discussed in this eMedTV article include fibrates like Lofibra and Tricor, statins like Altoprev and Mevacor, and combination medicines. This article also lists factors that can affect which medication you are prescribed.
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