Basic Information On Niaspan
Controlled release of Niaspan helps in controlling cholesterol levels. It reduces LDL or the bad cholesterol and triglycerides and increases HDL or the good cholesterol. It is used in combination with diet and lowers high serum glyceride levels which prevents and treats hardening of arteries. Thus, risk of a second heart attack is effectively reduced. Increased blood fat which can cause painful inflammation of the pancreas is also reduced by it. The Niaspan drug helps treat the disease pellagra which leads to diarrhea, dementia and dermatitis. Pellagra is caused due to the deficiency of B-complex vitamin niacin, which is a naturally occurring vitamin in plants and animals.
Precautions /Side Effects of Niaspan
You should tell your doctor if you are diabetic or suffer from muscle pain, weakness or tenderness. These could be the possible side effects of brand or generic Niaspan when taken with lovastatin or simvastatin. Furthermore, the active ingredient niacin contained in this drug can irritate stomach ulcers, bleeding problems or liver diseases. Ensure that you undergo blood tests to check for liver enzyme levels. It may increase your uric acid levels, so inform you doctor if you have any history of gout or kidney problems.
You should not change your medicine without doctor’s consultation as brand or generic Niaspan contains different forms of niacin like long acting niacin and immediate release niacin which affect the body differently. It can increase blood sugar levels and cause side effects like flushing, diarrhea nausea, and vomiting, itching and increased cough. Certain medications which contain any product of niacin, aspirin, blood pressure medicine, or cholesterol medication should not be taken with Niaspan. In case of cholesterol medication, it should be taken at least 4 to 6 hour apart from each other.
Niaspan Dosage
Niaspan is initiated at bedtime with a 500 mg dosage which is later individualized to patient’s response. It is recommended to take it after a low fat snack. A maintenance dose ranges from 1000 mg to 2000 mg daily which is to be taken at bedtime, either as two 500 mg tablets or one 1000 mg tablet. The dose does not go beyond 2000 mg a day. Pretreatment by aspirin can reduce side effects like flushing. Body develops tolerance for Niaspan with a gradual increase in dose and helps control flushing, pruritus and gastrointestinal distress. The tablets should not be crushed, broken or chewed before swallowing, but should be taken as whole.
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