What is the difference between niacin and niacin ER?

Niacin ER has a delivery system allowing absorption rates intermediate to that of niacin IR and SR. As a result, niacin ER achieves the efficacy of niacin IR with a reduced incidence of flushing and without the hepatic effects seen with niacin SR.

What type of niacin is best for lowering cholesterol?

Over-the-counter niacin The nicotinic acid form of niacin lowers cholesterol, but other forms of niacin do not. These other forms that do not lower cholesterol include nicotinamide and inositol nicotinate (also called no-flush niacin). Ask your doctor how much niacin you should take.

Is extended-release niacin better?

In summary, in the AIM-HIGH trial, treatment with extended-release niacin was associated with significantly increased rates of certain serious adverse events, as well as increased rates of dose reductions or drug discontinuation related in most cases to known side effects of niacin.

Is slow release niacin safe?

Niaspan, a new US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, once-daily, extended-release form, has been found effective and safe in short-term trials. The long-term efficacy and safety of Niaspan lipid monotherapy was studied in 517 patients (aged 21-75 years) for < or =96 weeks in dosages < or =3,000 mg/day.

What should you not take with niacin?

Possible interactions include: Alcohol. Taking niacin with alcohol might increase the risk of liver damage and worsen niacin side effects, such as flushing and itching. Allopurinol (Zyloprim).

Is niacin as good as statins?

Statins can lower LDL cholesterol better than niacin can. Niacin (nicotinic acid, or vitamin B3) is a vitamin that, when taken in high doses, can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL cholesterol. Niacin can raise HDL levels more than statins can.

Is niacin hard on liver?

The supplement has been linked with liver damage, can cause hypotension and might activate a peptic ulcer. Taking niacin also might worsen allergies, gallbladder disease and symptoms of certain thyroid disorders. If you have diabetes, niacin can interfere with blood glucose control.

Why do you take niacin at night?

Pharmacist tips for niacin If you’re taking the extended-release form of niacin, take the medication at bedtime after you eat a low-fat snack such as fruit, pretzels, or carrots. This lowers your risk of side effects like flushing and stomach upset.

Does niacin remove plaque from arteries?

— A prescription version of niacin beat out a blockbuster cholesterol-lowering drug in slowing the buildup of plaque in artery walls, researchers report. The study pitted extended-release niacin, sold as Niaspan, which works by boosting levels of HDL “good” cholesterol, against ezetimibe.

Is B12 the same as niacin?

Vitamin B3 (niacin) is a naturally occurring substance found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and green vegetables. The other B vitamins include B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B5 (Pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxamine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), and B12 (cobalamin).