What it means
A B vitamin found in meat, fish, poultry, whole grains and peanuts. A severe lack causes pellagra, with skin rash, diarrhea and confusion. In large prescription doses it lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and raises HDL cholesterol, though it is used less now because adding it to a statin has not been shown to prevent heart attacks. The most common side effect is flushing: warmth, redness and itching of the face and upper body.
For the nurse
Teach that flushing is common and usually fades over time; taking it at bedtime with a low-fat snack, and aspirin 30 minutes before if ordered, can lessen it. Avoid alcohol and hot drinks near the dose. High doses can harm the liver and raise blood glucose and uric acid, so liver tests are checked. Swallow extended-release tablets whole.
At a glance
| Drug class | vitamin (B3); lipid-lowering agent |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Niaspan, Niacor |
| Spanish | niacina |
| Also written | Niaspan, Niacor, nicotinic acid, vitamin B3 |
Related terms
cholesterol
A waxy fat made by the liver and found in animal foods, which the body uses to build cells and hormones.
uric acid
A waste product made when the body breaks down purines, measured with a blood test.
lipid panel
A blood test that measures fats in the blood: total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.