DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Inositol Niacinate (in-OH-sih-tole nye-a-SIN-ate)
Brand Name: Examples include Niacin Flush Free and Niacinol

Niacinol is used for:

Improving blood circulation in certain conditions and lowering cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Niacinol is a vasodilator and lipid-lowering agent. It improves circulation by releasing histamine, which causes the blood vessels to dilate (widen) and breaks up a protein needed for the clotting of blood. It also prevents the formation of lipids in the body, which helps to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Do NOT use Niacinol if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Niacinol

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Niacinol :

Some medical conditions may interact with Niacinol . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have severe liver problems or disease, kidney problems, diabetes, gout, gallbladder disease, chest pain, heart disease, an active peptic ulcer, arterial bleeding, or severely low blood pressure
• if you have a history of stomach ulcer or heart attack, or you drink alcohol on a regular basis

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Niacinol . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Aspirin, blood thinners (eg, warfarin), or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen) because they may increase the risk of side effects (eg, bleeding)
• HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors (eg, lovastatin, simvastatin) because the risk of side effects, including muscle weakness, may be increased
• Nicotine patches because the risk of side effects, including flushing and dizziness, may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Niacinol may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Niacinol :

Use Niacinol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Niacinol by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Do not take Niacinol with alcohol, hot food, or hot beverages. This may increase flushing and itching.
• If you miss a dose of Niacinol , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Niacinol .

Important safety information:

• Niacinol may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Niacinol with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not substitute other forms of niacin for Niacinol .
• Diabetes patients - Niacinol may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Lab tests may be performed while you use Niacinol . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Niacinol while you are pregnant. It is not known if Niacinol is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Niacinol , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Niacinol :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; dizziness; flushing; itching; loss of appetite; nausea; upset stomach; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); dark urine; severe stomach pain; yellowing of the skin.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Niacinol :

Store Niacinol at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Niacinol out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Niacinol , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Niacinol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Niacinol . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.