Niacin: Uses, Dosage, Price, Side Effects, Precautions & More

What is Niacin?

Niacin, one of the oldest drugs used to treat dyslipidemia, favorably affects virtually all lipid parameters. Niacin is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that functions as a vitamin only after its conversion to NAD or NADP, in which it occurs as an amide. Niacin also is the only lipid-lowering drug that reduces Lp(a) levels significantly.

Manufactured By – Nouveau Medicament Pvt Ltd

Other variants and composition – 

Niacin Nf Tablet – Inositol 1000 MG

Buy & Get Minimum 20% Discount: Medlife Online | Myra

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Uses of Niacin

• Nicotinic acid is very effective for increasing HDL and may raise levels by as much as 30%- 35%.
• Niacin also causes a decrease in LDL.
• Niacin is also used to treat dyslipidemia.
• Lowers levels of VLDL (Very-low-density lipoprotein).
• Raises levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein).

Also  Read: Metoprolol Uses | Naproxen Uses

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How does Niacin work?

• Nicotinic acid inhibits the hepatic production of VLDL and consequently its metabolite LDL.
• Nicotinic acid affects HDL metabolism by reducing the transfer of cholesterol from HDL to VLDL and by delaying hepatic HDL clearance.

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How to take Niacin?

• Crystalline Niacin (immediate-release or regular) refers to niacin tablets that dissolve quickly after ingestion.
• Sustained-release Niacin refers to preparations that continuously release niacin for 6-8 hours after ingestion.
• Take Niacin with a full glass of cold or cool water.
• Swallow the tablets.
• The hypolipidemic effects of Niacin require larger doses than are required for its vitamin effects.

Niacin Price In India

Specifics	Niacin Price
100mg Vial of 1 Injection	Rs 17
250mg Vial of 1 Injection	Rs 35
500mg Vial of 1 Injection	Rs 60
GNC  Niacin:250mg Bottle of 100 Tablets	Rs 1239
GNC  Niacin:500mg Bottle of 100 Tablets	Rs 1559
Nature’s Bounty Flush Free Niacin Capsules:50 Capsules	Rs 2036
Niacin NF:Strip of 10 Tablets	Rs 82
Biotrex Niacin:25mg Strip of 60 Capsules	Rs 630
Solgar Niacin(Vitamin B3):100mg Bottle of 100 Tablets	Rs 1350
Zenith Nutrition Niacin Capsules:Bottle of 100 Capsules	Rs 374

Other medicine's Price: Propranolol Price | Ranitidine Price

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Common Dosage for Niacin

• The daily dose should not exceed 20 mg.
• Regular or crystalline Niacin in doses of 2-6 g/day reduces triglycerides by 35-50%; the maximal effect occurs within 4-7 days.
• Reductions of 25% in LDL-C levels are possible with doses of 4.5-6 g/day, but 3-6 weeks are required for the maximal effect.
• For lipid-lowering effects, nicotinic acid is given in much higher doses than are needed as a vitamin.
• Crystalline Niacin tablets are available over the counter (from 50- to 500-mg tablets).
• To minimize the flushing and pruritus, it is best to start with a low dose (100 mg twice daily taken after breakfast and supper). The dose may be increased stepwise every 7 days by 100-200 mg to a total daily dose of 1.5-2 g.
• Triple therapy with resins, Niacin, and statins can reduce LDL-C by up to 70%.

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When to avoid Niacin?

• Combination therapy (statin plus niacin or statin plus fibrate) may be required, but caution is necessary with these combinations to avoid myopathy.
• Severe hepatotoxicity is more likely to occur when patients take more than 2 g of sustained-release, over-the-counter preparations. Affected patients experience flu-like fatigue and weakness.
• In patients with diabetes mellitus, Niacin should be used cautiously because niacin-induced insulin resistance can cause severe hyperglycemia.
• Niacin also elevates uric acid levels and may reactivate gout. A history of gout is a relative contraindication for niacin use.

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Precautions when taking Niacin?

• Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule.
• Flushing recurs if only one or two doses are missed, and the flushing is more likely to occur when Niacin is consumed with hot beverages (coffee, tea) or with ethanol-containing beverages.
• Patients with any history of peptic ulcer disease should not take Niacin because it can reactivate ulcer disease.
• If Niacin is prescribed for patients with known or suspected diabetes, blood glucose levels should be monitored at least weekly until proven to be stable.

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Side Effects of Niacin

• Flushing is the most common side effect and occurs in 80% of patients.
• Pruritus, paresthesia, and nausea are somewhat less common and occur in about 20% of patients.
• hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia
• Flushing and pruritus of the face and upper trunk, skin rashes, and acanthosis nigricans.
• Atrial tachyarrhythmia and atrial fibrillation have been reported, more commonly in elderly patients.

Also Read: Plavix Side Effect

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Effects on organs?

• Liver- Niacin can cause chronic liver damage, as shown by elevated liver enzymes, although these drugs very rarely cause liver failure.
• Skin- Rash, pruritus.
• Gastrointestinal- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.

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Storage Requirements for Niacin

• Keep it in a dry, airtight container.
• Keep Niacin away from direct heat or moisture.
• Keep it out of reach of the children.

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Pro Tips When Taking Niacin

• Flushing is worse when therapy is initiated or the dosage is increased but ceases in most patients after 1-2 weeks of a stable dose. Taking an aspirin each day alleviates the flushing in many patients.
• Dry skin, a frequent complaint, can be dealt with by using skin moisturizers
• Acanthosis nigricans can be dealt with by using lotions or creams containing salicylic acid.
• Dyspepsia and rarer episodes of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are less likely to occur if the drug is taken after a meal.
• Side effects tend to be less common with sustained-released formulations.
• NIASPAN is the only preparation of Niacin that is FDA-approved for treating dyslipidemia and that requires a prescription.
• Both Niacin and its amide may be given orally as a source of Niacin for its functions as a vitamin, but only Niacin affects lipid levels.

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FAQs

Is Niacin addictive?

No, Niacin is not addictive.