Niacin Drug Interactions

If alcoholic beverages or certain medications are combined with niacin, drug interactions could occur. Some interactions may increase your risk of side effects (such as flushing), while others can cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. Medications that may lead to potentially negative niacin interactions include beta blockers, bile acid sequestrants, nitrates, and diabetes medicines.

An Overview of Niacin Interactions

 Niacin (brand names include Niacor®, Niaspan®, Slo-Niacin®, and several others) can potentially interact with a number of other medications. Some of the medicines that may lead to niacin drug interactions include:
 
  • Alcohol
  • Alpha blockers, including:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Nitrates, such as:

 

    • Isosorbide dinitrate (BiDil®, Dilatrate® SR, Isochron™, Isordil®)
    • Isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur®, Ismo®, Monoket®)
    • Nitroglycerin tablets or capsules (Nitroquick®, Nitrostat®, Nitro-Time®)
    • Nitroglycerin ointment (Nitro-Bid®)
    • Nitroglycerin patches (Minitran®, Nitrodisc®, Nitro-Dur®, Transderm-Nitro®, Transderm-NTG®)
    • Nitroglycerin spray (Nitrolingual®)

 

  • Statin medications, such as:

 

 


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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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