NIACIN (SUPPLEMENT) - ORAL

NIACIN (SUPPLEMENT) - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (NYE-a-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Slo-Niacin

GENERIC NAME(S): niacin

Uses

USES: Niacin (nicotinic acid) is used to prevent and treat niacin deficiency (pellagra). Niacin deficiency may result from certain medical conditions (such as alcohol abuse, malabsorption syndrome, Hartnup disease), poor diet, or long-term use of certain medications (such as isoniazid). Niacin deficiency can cause diarrhea, confusion (dementia), tongue redness/swelling, and peeling red skin. Niacin is also known as vitamin B3, one of the B-complex vitamins. Vitamins help to support the body's ability to make and break down natural compounds (metabolism) needed for good health. Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is a different form of vitamin B3 and does not work the same as niacin. Do not substitute unless directed by your doctor. Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you.


How to use NIACIN (SUPPLEMENT) - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with a low-fat meal or snack as directed by your doctor, usually 1-3 times daily. Taking niacin on an empty stomach increases side effects (such as flushing, upset stomach). Follow all directions on the product package. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Niacin is available in different formulations (such as immediate and sustained release). Do not switch between strengths, brands, or forms of niacin. Severe liver problems may occur. Swallow extended-release capsules whole. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. To lessen the chance of side effects such as flushing, avoid alcohol, hot beverages, and eating spicy foods near the time you take niacin. Taking a plain (non-enteric coated, 325 milligram) aspirin or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as ibuprofen, 200 milligrams) 30 minutes before taking niacin may help prevent flushing. Ask your doctor if this treatment is right for you. If you also take certain other drugs to lower cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take niacin at least 4 to 6 hours before or after taking these medications. These products interact with niacin, preventing its full absorption. Continue to take other medications to lower your cholesterol as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you are taking this for lipid problems, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose to reduce your risk of side effects. Your dose will need to be increased slowly even if you are already taking niacin and are being switched from another niacin product to this product. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not stop taking this medicine unless instructed by your doctor. If you stop taking niacin, you may need to return to your original dose and gradually increase it again. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for instructions on restarting your dose if you have not taken your medication for several days. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Flushing/warmth in the face and neck, headache, itching, burning, sweating, chills, or tingling may occur within 20 minutes to 4 hours of taking this medication. Flushing may persist for a few hours. These effects should improve or go away as your body adjusts to the medication. Stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. This is very important if you are also taking medication to lower your blood pressure. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe dizziness/fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe headache (migraine), unusual joint pain, swelling of legs/arms, vision problems, severe stomach/abdominal pain, black stools, easy bruising/bleeding, unexplained muscle pain/tenderness/weakness, persistent nausea/vomiting, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), dark urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, yellowing eyes/skin. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking niacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication: very low blood pressure, alcohol use, history of bleeding problems (such as low platelets), diabetes, gallbladder disease, glaucoma, gout, heart disease (such as recent heart attack, unstable angina), kidney disease, liver disease/increase in liver enzymes, untreated mineral imbalance (low phosphate levels), history of stomach/intestinal ulcers, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication may rarely make your blood sugar rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin, heparins). Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since vitamins/dietary supplements may also contain niacin or niacinamide (nicotinamide). These may increase your risk of side effects if taken together. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including urine or blood catecholamines, copper-based urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

SLO-NIACIN 250 MG TABLET

color
dark pink
shape
oblong
imprint
250
SLO-NIACIN 500 MG TABLET

color
dark pink
shape
oblong
imprint
500
SLO-NIACIN 500 MG TABLET

color
dark pink
shape
oblong
imprint
500

color
dark pink
shape
oblong
imprint
750
NIACIN SA 250 MG CAPSULE

color
green
shape
oblong
imprint
NIACIN 100 MG TABLET

color
white
shape
round
imprint
NIACIN 500 MG CAPSULE SA

color
white
shape
oblong
imprint
NIACIN 500 MG TABLET

color
white
shape
round
imprint
NIACIN ER 500 MG TABLET

color
white
shape
oblong
imprint

Reviews

No Reviews Yet


Faq for NIACIN (SUPPLEMENT) - ORAL

Niacin is a form of vitamin B3, which is essential for maintaining the overall health of the body.

Niacin supplement is commonly used to lower cholesterol levels, improve heart health, boost brain function, support skin health, and reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular diseases.

Niacin helps lower cholesterol levels by reducing the production of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the liver and increasing the production of HDL (good cholesterol). It also helps to remove triglycerides from the blood.

Common side effects of niacin supplement include flushing of the skin, itching, headache, dizziness, and upset stomach. These side effects are usually temporary and can be minimized by taking niacin with food or using extended-release forms of the supplement.

The recommended dosage of niacin supplement varies depending on the individual's age, sex, and specific health condition. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for you.

Yes, niacin supplement may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, diabetes medications, statins, and high blood pressure medications. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking before starting niacin supplementation.

In rare cases, high doses of niacin supplement may cause liver damage. However, this risk is usually associated with prescription-strength niacin rather than over-the-counter supplements. Regular liver function tests are recommended for individuals taking high-dose niacin.

Yes, niacin supplement can cause a niacin flush, characterized by redness, warmth, and tingling in the face and neck. This flushing effect is harmless and usually subsides after a short time.

It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements during pregnancy. Though niacin is generally considered safe for pregnant women in recommended doses, it is important to discuss potential risks and benefits.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.