What does niacin look like

You may need to restart the medication at a lower dose. This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using niacin. Niacin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.

Do not take two doses at one time. Health Topics. Health Tools. Niacin Nicotinic Acid. Reviewed: September 15, You should not take niacin if you are allergic to it, or if you have: severe liver disease; a stomach ulcer; or active bleeding.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had: liver disease; heart disease, chest pain angina ; gout; or diabetes. You should not breastfeed while using niacin. Niacin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Side Effects. Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking niacin.

Only use the brand and type of niacin that your doctor prescribed. Do not use another brand of niacin or switch between products without talking to your doctor. If you switch to a different brand or type of niacin, your dose may need to be changed. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Generic alternatives may be available. Niacin pronounced as nye' a sin. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?

What side effects can this medication cause? What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names Brand names of combination products Other names. Niacin is used with diet changes restriction of cholesterol and fat intake to reduce the amount of cholesterol a fat-like substance and other fatty substances in your blood and to increase the amount of high density lipoprotein HDL; ''good cholesterol''.

Niacin can be used in a number of situations including the following: alone or in combination with other medications, such as HMG-CoA inhibitors statins or bile acid-binding resins; to decrease the risk of another heart attack in patients with high cholesterol who have had a heart attack; to prevent worsening of atherosclerosis buildup of cholesterol and fats along the walls of the blood vessels in patients with high cholesterol and coronary artery disease; to reduce the amount of triglycerides other fatty substances in the blood in patients with very high triglycerides who are at risk of pancreatic disease conditions affecting the pancreas, a gland that produces fluid to break down food and hormones to control blood sugar.

Swallow the extended-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of niacin and gradually increase your dose. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

However, if needed to prevent or treat niacin deficiency, niacin is likely safe to take during pregnancy and in breast-feeding women when used in recommended amounts.

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