Niaspan is an extended release form of nicotinic acid. It is currently the only form of nicotinic acid available as a prescription. Niaspan affects all aspects of your cholesterol profile: It lowers LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides and raises LDL ("good" cholesterol). This specific form of nicotinic acid is not available in a generic form or over the counter.
The mechanism by which Niaspan (nicotinic acid) works is unknown. However, previous studies have noted that Niaspan (nicotinic acid) reduces the amount of LDL and VLDL cholesterol made by the liver.
This medication may be taken with a low-fat snack, as directed by your healthcare provider. Drinking hot fluids (such as hot tea or coffee) may make Niaspan side effects worse. You should not crush, chew, or break the tablets, since this will disrupt the way that the nicotinic acid is distributed in the body.
The following individuals should not take Niaspan:
- Those who have had an allergic reaction to Niaspan or any of its components.
- Those who have a history of alcohol abuse.
- Those who have active liver disease or abnormally high liver enzyme levels.
- Those who have arterial bleeding.
- Those who have very low blood pressure.
- Those who have active peptic disease.
Other individuals may be able to take Niaspan, but should be monitored closely because of possible side effects:
- Those who have a history of alcohol abuse.
- Those who have active gallbladder disease (could make condition worse).
- Those who have bleeding disorders or are taking anticoagulation therapy (ability to clot could be decreased).
- Those who have unstable angina (could make condition worse).
- Those who have diabetes (may interfere with control of glucose levels).
- Those who have renal disease.
- Those who have gout (could make condition worse).
The most common side effects include:
- flushing
- rash
- lightheadedness
- decreased glucose control
- headache
- weakness
- dizziness
- palpitations
- low blood pressure
- fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- shortness of breath
- arrhythmias
- gastrointestinal problems (such as abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, or peptic ulcers)
- Statins may increase the incidence of muscle pain side effects (ranging from myalgia to rhabdomyolysis) and elevated liver enzymes when taken with high doses of Niaspan.
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as bile acid sequestrants.
(In order to avoid this, separate your Niaspan dose and bile acid sequestrant dose by at least four hours.)
- Niaspan may decrease the effectiveness of oral medication used to treat diabetes, therefore interfering with glucose control.
This information is just a brief listing. It is not inclusive and should not replace the information provided by your healthcare provider or the manufacturer of this drug.
Sources:
Dipiro JT, Talbert RL. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiological Approach, 6th ed 2005.
Lacy CF, Armstrong LL, Goldman MP, et al. Lexicomp's Drug Information Handbook, 15th ed 2007.
