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Niaspan
Niaspan is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories.
What Is Niaspan Used For?
This medication has been licensed for several uses, including:
Niaspan is the extended-release form of the B-complex vitamin niacin. It is believed to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels by increasing the activity of an enzyme known as lipoprotein lipase that breaks down triglyceride-rich particles ( VLDL) and increases their removal from the body. It is also thought to decrease the amount of these particles made and released from the liver. Depending on the type of cholesterol problem you have, the medication also:
Since Niaspan can lower both LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels (along with lowering total cholesterol and raising HDL), a person can decrease his or her risk of developing certain health problems associated with these conditions by taking it.
In previous clinical research studies, people taking Niaspan 1000 to 2000 mg daily were able to:
- Lower triglycerides by 10 to 30 percent
- Lower LDL cholesterol by 5 to 15 percent
- Lower total cholesterol by 5 to 10 percent
- Raise HDL cholesterol by 15 to 25 percent.
The combination of Niaspan with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor ( statin) or a bile acid sequestrant can further lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take Niaspan include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth once a day at bedtime. You should take Niaspan after a low-fat snack to prevent an upset stomach.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
- Niaspan may cause flushing (warmth and redness) of the face and neck. To reduce this side effect, take aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) 30 minutes before you take your dose. It is also important to avoid drinking alcohol or hot drinks around the time you take this medication.
- If you are taking a bile acid sequestrant, make sure to take your Niaspan dose more than one hour before the bile acid sequestrant or more than four hours after. Bile acid sequestrants include:
- The medication should be taken at the same time every day to help maintain an even level in the blood. Do not take it more often than directed.
- For Niaspan to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing Information
The dose of Niaspan your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As with any drug, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Niaspan. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Most people do not need to stop taking the medicine due to side effects.
The most common side effects include:
- Flushing of the face and neck
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Generalized pain
- Runny nose
- Rash and itching.
Other side effects (occurring in less than 5 percent of people) include but are not limited to:
Keep in mind that if you are taking both Niaspan and a statin, and you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you have a fever or feel ill, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. This could be a sign of a serious, life-threatening muscle problem.
(Click Niaspan Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Niaspan?
Prior to taking this drug, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- Low blood counts, low platelet counts, or bleeding problems
- Diabetes
- Gallbladder disease or gallstones
- Gout
- Heart disease or history of heart attack
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Low blood pressure or are taking medication to lower your blood pressure
- Stomach or intestinal ulcers
- An allergy to Niaspan, any other medications, foods, dyes (tartrazine), or preservatives.
It is also important to let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant (see Niaspan and Pregnancy)
- Breastfeeding
- A frequent user of alcoholic beverages.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some vitamins and nutritional supplements may contain niacin or related substances that can increase the side effects of Niaspan.
(Click High Cholesterol Risk to determine your cholesterol risk and find out what your LDL cholesterol level should be.)
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Niaspan may experience the following symptoms:
- Flushing
- Upset stomach
- Rash and itching.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Niaspan Be Stored?
Niaspan should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container. It should be protected from light and moisture.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose of Niaspan, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. Never take a double dose.
Niaspan tablets are available in three strengths:
- Niaspan 500 mg
- Niaspan 750 mg
- Niaspan 1000 mg.
There is currently no generic version of this medicine available (see Generic Niaspan for information on when one should be available).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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