Niaspan (generic name: Niacin / nicotinic acid) is the extended-release form of the B-complex vitamin niacin.

Niaspan uses include:

Lowering cholesterol in patients with hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol). Niaspan can reduce both total and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and raise HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).

Lowering triglyceride levels in patients with hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides). Triglycerides are fat-like substances found in the body.

Lowering triglycerides or cholesterol levels in patients who are already taking another cholesterol medication, such as a statin or a bile acid sequestrant like cholestyramine, colestipol, or colesevelam. Niaspan is also better than most other cholesterol-lowering medicines at raising HDL cholesterol.

Reducing the risk of another heart attack in patients with a history of both a heart attack and high cholesterol.

Slowing the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in patients with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and high cholesterol.

Niaspan should be used as one part of a cholesterol-lowering program, in combination with exercise and a low-cholesterol diet. Sometimes Niaspan is used in combination with other cholesterol medicines, such as statins and bile acid sequestrants.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Niaspan exactly as directed.

Niaspan should be taken at bedtime, after a low-fat snack (e.g. an apple, low fat yoghurt, slice of bread) and doses should be individualised according to the patient's response.

Niaspan tablets must not be broken, crushed or chewed before swallowing.

Precautions

Tell your doctor before taking Niaspan, if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have any serious medical conditions;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: nicotinic acid.