Nicotinex (Oral)

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 Nicotinex

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 Nicotinex

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 children with use in other age groups. However, use is not recommended in children under 2 years of age since cholesterol is needed for normal development.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of niacin extended-release tablets in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to ch...