Examples

These medicines contain the nicotinic acid form of niacin.

Immediate-release form

Sustained-release form

Extended-release form

How It Works

Nicotinic acid reduces the production of triglycerides and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein, which is converted to LDL in the blood). This leads to decreased LDL ("bad") cholesterol, increased HDL ("good") cholesterol, and lowered triglycerides. Nicotinic acid raises HDL cholesterol more than other lipid-lowering medicines.

Why It Is Used

Nicotinic acid is especially useful in people who have low HDL levels and high triglyceride levels, because it raises HDL and lowers triglycerides. Niacin may not be appropriate for some people who have:

• Gout.
• Active stomach ulcer.
• Oversensitivity to niacin.
• Glaucoma.
• Type 2 diabetes and do not have their blood sugar levels controlled.
• Clotting disorders, such as hemophilia.
• Active liver disease.
• Alcoholism.

How Well It Works

• LDL can be reduced by 5% to 25%.¹
• HDL can be increased by 15% to 35%.¹
• Triglycerides can be reduced by 20% to 50%.¹

Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.
• Hives.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor if you have:

• Severe stomach pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Yellow eyes or skin (symptoms of jaundice).

Common side effects of this medicine include:

• Flushing or redness of skin on face and neck.
• Itching.
• Headache.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Diarrhea.

These side effects are more severe when higher doses are used.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)