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Nicotinic acid

  • Nicotinic acid is used to treat high blood lipid or cholesterol levels.
  • If you have been prescribed the controlled release tablets that release the drug slowly to give a more even effect, do not divide, crush or chew them. This may cause too much drug to be absorbed too quickly.
  • Lifestyle change is important in reducing cholesterol, for example, eating healthy food, reducing caffeine intake, reducing salt intake, stopping smoking and increasing exercise levels.
  • The most common side effect is flushing (redness of the face) this may improve after several days.
  • If muscle pain unrelated to any other condition occurs during treatment inform your doctor as soon as possible.

About nicotinic acid

Type of medicine Lipid-regulating drugs
Used for High cholesterol
Also called Niaspan
Available as Tablets, controlled release tablets

Nicotinic acid is used to lower levels of cholesterol and other lipids (fats) in the blood. Cholesterol is made naturally in the body and is absorbed from the food we eat. If levels of cholesterol are too high in the blood stream, it is deposited on the walls of blood vessels. Eventually this leads to a narrowing of the blood vessels and can even block them completely.
High levels of cholesterol do not make people feel ill but can cause problems if left untreated. This medicine may help prevent medical problems caused by cholesterol and fats building up in blood vessels, such as heart disease.

Before taking nicotinic acid

Before taking nicotinic acid make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver problems, or have had jaundice.
  • If you suffer from angina, heart disease, diabetes, gout or peptic ulcer (stomach ulcer).
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take nicotinic acid

  • Take nicotinic acid exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • If you have been prescribed controlled release tablets that release the drug slowly to give a more even effect, do not divide, crush or chew them. This may cause too much drug to be absorbed too quickly.
  • Take nicotinic acid with or immediately after food.
  • Try to take nicotinic acid at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at the usual times. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose, never take two doses at the same time to compensate.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Many people are able to control their condition by carefully following their doctor's directions for a healthy diet and exercise. Medicine is prescribed only when additional help is needed and nicotinic acid is only effective when a healthy diet is also followed.
  • Nicotinic acid is less effective if you are greatly overweight. It may be very important for you to go on a weight reducing diet. However, check with your doctor before going on any diet.
  • Even if you do not feel unwell, never stop taking nicotinic acid without checking with your doctor first. When you stop taking nicotinic acid, your fat levels may increase again.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking tends to increase your cholesterol level and also puts a strain on the heart and circulatory system.
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol while you are being treated with nicotinic acid. Alcohol can also increase your cholesterol levels.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol or hot drinks around the time you take your dosage. This will help prevent you feeling flushed and itchy.

Can nicotinic acid cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Flushing (redness of the face) This usually gets better after several days treatment. If it continues or prevents you from taking your medicine speak with your doctor.
Itching, skin rashes If this continues or is severe speak with your doctor.
Indigestion, heartburn, feeling sick Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable remedy. If this continues or is severe speak with your doctor.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Dry eyes Ask your pharmacist to recommend a remedy. If this is severe or continues speak with your doctor.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Muscle pain If this occurs speak with your doctor as soon as possible.

How to store nicotinic acid

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3874		 DocRef:
dils2376		 Last Updated:
1 Oct 2007		 Date of Next Review:
30 Sep 2009		 Version:
22
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

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