Generic name: niacin (oral route) [ NYE-a-sin ]
Drug classes:Miscellaneous antihyperlipidemic agents, Vitamins
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 30, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Niacinol
- Niacor
- Niaspan
- Nicotinex
- Slo-Niacin
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
- Capsule, Extended Release
- Tablet, Extended Release
- Capsule
Therapeutic Class: Antihyperlipidemic
Pharmacologic Class: Vitamin B (class)
Chemical Class: Nicotinic Acid (class)
Uses for Niacinol
Niacin is used alone or with other medicines to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride (fat-like substances) levels in the blood. This may help prevent the development of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and other problems caused by high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Niacin is also used to help lower risk of heart attack in patients with a history of heart attack and hyperlipidemia.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Niacinol
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of niacin extended-release tablets in children. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children 16 years of age and younger.
There is no specific information comparing the use of niacin for high cholesterol in childre...
