What is Slo-niacin?
Slo-niacin lowers blood levels of "bad cholesterol" (low-density lipoprotein, or ldl) and triglycerides and increases levels of "good cholesterol" (high-density lipoprotein, or hdl).
Niaspan can be used to reduce the risk of a stroke for people with high blood cholesterol who also have a history of heart attacks. Niaspan may be combined with another cholesterol medication to reduce the accumulation of fatty deposits within your arteries. Slo-niacin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Slo-niacin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Slo-niacin may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Heart attack symptoms include chest pain, pressure or pain that spreads to the jaw or shoulder area, nausea, and sweating.
- High sugar; increased thirst; increased urination; dry mouth and fruity breath odor are some of the hallmarks of diabetes.
- Unexplained muscle tenderness, pain, or weakness
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Heartbeats irregular;
- Severe warmth or redness beneath your skin
- Vision problems or other eye disorders
- Jaundice
Side effects of slo-niacin include:
- Flushing (a sudden feeling of warmth, redness, or tingling);
- Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Itching, rash, and dry skin are all symptoms of dermatitis.
- Cough;
- Skin discoloration;
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The fda can be contacted at 1-800-fda-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, lipitor, ezetimibe, fenofibrate, and crestor
Warnings
Slo-niacin should not be taken if you suffer from severe liver diseases or an ulcer in the stomach.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have any of the following:
- Severe liver disease
- A stomach ulcer;
- Active bleeding.
Please inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Liver disease
- Kidney problems;
- Heart disease; chest pain (angina);
- Gout is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints.
There is no way to know if slo-niacin can harm an unborn child. Slo-slo-niacin may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended. Do not administer this medicine without consulting a doctor.
How to take Slo-niacin?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. Slo-niacin may cause flushing, which is a feeling of warmth, itching, or redness under the skin. As you continue to take the medication, these effects will gradually disappear. If you drink alcohol or consume hot drinks shortly after slo-niacin, the flushing may be more severe.
Do not open, crush, chew or break the capsule. Changes to brand, strength, or form of medicine could alter your dosage requirements. Use only the strength and form prescribed by your doctor to avoid medication errors. Talk to your doctor about restarting the medication if you have stopped taking slo-niacin. You may have to start the medication again at a smaller dose.
This medicine may affect the results of certain tests. You should tell any doctor that treats you about your use of slo-niacin. Slo-niacin may be part of a comprehensive treatment programme that includes diet, exercise, and weight management. Be sure to follow your diet, medications, and exercise regimens closely. To prevent flushing, your doctor may prescribe an nsaid, such as ibuprofen or advil. Continue to take these medications for the prescribed time. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if i miss the dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, don't take two doses at the same time. Doing so could put your health in jeopardy.
What happens if i overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage and also reduce the effectiveness of slo-niacin. You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position. Slo-niacin is less effective if you eat foods that are high in cholesterol or fat.
Interaction with other drug
You shouldn't take colestipol or cholestyramine for at least 4 hours prior to or after taking slo-niacin.
Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:
- Other medicines that lower cholesterol or triglycerides
- Aspirin;
- Blood pressure medicine;
- A blood thinner: warfarin coumadin jantoven
This list is incomplete. Slo-niacin may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not encompass all possible drug interactions.
