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General Medication Fact Sheet for Niaspan
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Niaspan |
| Generic Name | Niacin (extended-release) |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Liver toxicity and rhabdomyolysis can occur; monitor liver function and creatine kinase. |
| Purpose | Used to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and raise HDL cholesterol. |
| Mechanism of Action | Reduces the production of VLDL (precursor to LDL) in the liver, and increases HDL cholesterol. |
| Dosage Forms | Extended-release tablets |
| Available Strengths | 500 mg, 750 mg, 1000 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Once daily at bedtime. |
| Common Side Effects | Flushing, itching, headache, nausea, abdominal discomfort. |
| Serious Side Effects | Liver damage, muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis), high blood sugar, gout. |
| Drug Interactions | Statins, bile acid sequestrants, alcohol, aspirin, blood pressure medications. |
| Important Notes | Take at bedtime after a low-fat snack. Avoid alcohol. Monitor liver function regularly. Titrate dose slowly to minimize flushing. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember unless it’s close to your next dose; skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin, Simvastatin), Fibrates (e.g., Gemfibrozil, Fenofibrate), Ezetimibe. |
Niaspan Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atorvastatin (Lipitor) | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) | Lowers LDL cholesterol. |
| Simvastatin (Zocor) | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) | Lowers LDL cholesterol. |
| Gemfibrozil (Lopid) | Fibrate | Lowers triglycerides and raises HDL cholesterol. |
| Fenofibrate (Tricor) | Fibrate | Lowers triglycerides and raises HDL cholesterol. |
| Ezetimibe (Zetia) | Inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption | Lowers LDL cholesterol. |
Niaspan Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Flushing (redness, warmth, itching) | Liver damage (elevated liver enzymes) |
| Headache | Muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) |
| Nausea | High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) |
| Abdominal discomfort | Gout (joint pain) |
| Diarrhea | Irregular heartbeat |
| Itching | Skin rash |
Niaspan Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperlipidemia | 500 mg at bedtime | 1000-2000 mg at bedtime | Titrate slowly; take after a low-fat snack at bedtime. |
Niaspan Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $25 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $60 |
| From Canada | $45 |
