What is niacin used for?
Niacin (nicotinic
acid) is a vitamin B3. Niacin is used to treat and prevent a lack of natural
niacin in the body, and to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in
the blood. It is also used to lower the risk of heart attack in people with high
cholesterol who have already had a heart attack. Niacin is sometimes used to
treat coronary artery disease (also called atherosclerosis).Niacin may also be
used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What are some possible side effects of
niacin?
(This list is NOT a complete list of side
effects reported with niacin. Your health
care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)
- feeling light-headed,
- fainting;
fast, pounding, or uneven heart beats;
- feeling short of breath;
- swelling;
- jaundice (yellowing of your skin or
eyes);
muscle pain, tenderness, or
weakness with
- fever or flu symptoms and dark colored
urine.
- changes blood sugar levels
- mild dizziness;
- warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under
your skin;
- itching, dry skin;
- sweating or chills;
- nausea, diarrhea, belching, gas;
- muscle pain, leg cramps; or
- sleep problems (insomnia).
For more detailed information about niacin, ask
your health care provider or pharmacist.
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