How should I take niacin ?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Niacin is sometimes taken at bedtime with a low-fat snack. Follow your doctor's
instructions.
Niacin can cause certain side effects, such as flushing (warmth, itching, redness, or tingly
feeling under your skin). These effects can be made worse if you drink alcohol or hot beverages
shortly after you take niacin. These effects should disappear over time as you keep taking the
medication.
Take niacin with a full glass of cold or cool
water. Taking the medication with a hot
drink may increase your risk of side effects such as flushing.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow
the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening
the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
Niacin extended-release tablets and capsules contain higher strengths of the medicine
than the regular niacin tablets. Take only the dose that is correct for the type of niacin tablet or
capsule you are using.
Niacin can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests (urine tests). Tell
any doctor who treats you that you are using niacin.
If you stop taking niacin for any length of time, talk with your doctor before starting the
medication again. You may need to restart the medication at a lower dose.
Niacin is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet,
exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise
routines very closely.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be
tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss
any scheduled appointments.
Store niacin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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