NIACIN (Vitamin B-3, Nicotinic Acid)

Brand & Generic Names

Nia-Bid	Papulex
Niac	Roniacol
Niacels	Ronigen
Niacin	Rycotin
Niacor	Slo-Niacin
Nico-400	Span-Niacin
Nicobid	Tega-Span
Nicolar	Tri-B3
NICOTINAMIDE	VITAMIN B-3
Nicotinex
Nicotinyl alcohol
There are numerous other mult	iple
vitamin-mineral supplements a	vailable. Check labels.

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Tablets: No Liquid, capsules: Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Vitamin supplement, vasodilator, antihyperlipidemic

Uses

• Replacement for niacin lost due to inadequate diet.
• Treatment for vertigo (dizziness) and ringing in ears.
• Prevention of premenstrual headache.
• Reduction of blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Treatment for pellagra.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet, capsule or liquid--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation.
Extended-release tablets or capsules-- Swallow each dose whole.

When to take:
At the same times each day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember. Wait 4 hours for next dose.

What drug does:
Corrects niacin deficiency.
Dilates blood vessels.
In large doses, decreases cholesterol production.

Time lapse before drug works:
15 to 20 minutes.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Body flush, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, weakness, lightheadedness, fainting, sweating.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

Dry skin.

Infrequent:

• Upper abdominal pain, diarrhea.
• Headache, dizziness, faintness, temporary numbness and tingling in hands and feet.
• "Hot" feeling, flush.

Rare:

Rash, itching, jaundice, double vision, weakness and faintness when arising from bed or chair.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to niacin or any niacin-containing vitamin mixtures.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have sensitivity to tartrazine dye.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you have gout.
• If you have gallbladder or liver disease.
• You have impaired liver function.
• You have active peptic ulcer.

Over age 60:
Response to drug cannot be predicted. Dose must be individualized.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Studies inconclusive. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:

• Use only under supervision.
• Keep vitamin-mineral supplements out of children's reach.

Prolonged use:

• May cause impaired liver function.
• Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check liver function, blood sugar.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Avoid if you feel dizzy or faint. Otherwise, no problems expected.

Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.

Others:

• A balanced diet should provide all the niacin a healthy person needs and make supplements unnecessary. Best sources are meat, eggs and dairy products.
• Store in original container in cool, dry, dark place. Bathroom medicine chest too moist.
• Obesity reduces effectiveness.
• Some nicotinic acid products contain tartrazine dye. Read labels carefully if sensitive to tartrazine.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Antidiabetics*	Decreased antidiabetic effect.
Beta-adrenergic	Excessively low
blockers*	blood pressure.
Guanethidine	Increased guanethidine effect.
Isoniazid	Decreased niacin effect.
Mecamylamine	Excessively low blood pressure.
Methyldopa	Excessively low blood pressure.
Pargyline	Excessively low blood pressure.
Probenecid	Decreased effect of probenecid.
Sulfinpyrazone	Decreased effect of sulfinpyrazone.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Excessively low blood pressure. Use
	caution.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Increased flushing.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	Decreased niacin effect.