Did the doctor say that your blood cholesterol level is high? You may have heard the name 'Niacin' among the medicines given at such times. This is actually a type of vitamin B3. However, doctors also recommend this medicine in high doses to treat niacin deficiency in the body and to control high cholesterol and fat. So, let's talk about this niacin in a simple and friendly way today.
What exactly is Niacin?
Simply put, niacin is a B vitamin (vitamin B3). It is very important for the health of our heart, blood vessels, and metabolism.
But doctors recommend niacin for two main reasons.
1. Treat niacin deficiency: For those with low levels of vitamin B3 in the body.
2. To control high cholesterol: This is the most common. What happens here is that the levels of "bad cholesterol" in the blood, namely LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) and triglycerides , are reduced, and the levels of "good cholesterol" HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) are increased.
According to studies, when used in the correct dosage, niacin can increase HDL (good) cholesterol by about 30%, reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol by about 25%, and reduce triglyceride levels by about 50%.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before you start taking niacin, it is important to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. This is very important for your safety.
| Your situation | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Bleeding problems or conditions in which the blood does not clot easily | Niasin can sometimes affect these conditions. |
| Frequent drinking habit | Both alcohol and niacin can affect the liver, which may increase the risk. |
| Liver disease | Niacin is metabolized in the liver, which can be dangerous if you already have liver disease. |
| Ulcers in the stomach or intestines | Niacin may aggravate these lesions. |
| Allergies to niacin, other medications, foods, or preservatives | This is essential to prevent a serious allergic reaction. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In such cases, the doctor needs this information to make a decision after considering the benefits and risks. |
How to use niacin pills correctly?
The method of using this medicine is very simple.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day.
- To reduce stomach discomfort and some side effects, it is best to take the medication with a low-fat meal or snack .
- Most importantly: Do not stop taking this medication until your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Special considerations when taking niacin
During the hiring process, there are a few things you need to pay attention to.
Learn about facial flushing
This is a somewhat uncomfortable, but usually not dangerous, side effect that many people who use niacin experience. This is when the face, neck, and chest become red, hot, and feel like they are burning for a short time after taking the medication.
- The good news: There is a small way to reduce this. Taking an aspirin or an NSAID like ibuprofen about 30 minutes before taking your niacin pill can greatly reduce this redness. But be sure to talk to your doctor before doing this.
- Another thing: Avoid drinking hot beverages (hot tea, coffee) and alcohol while taking niacin pills. These can increase flushing.
Other important things
- Dizziness and balance: This medication may cause dizziness and drowsiness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you. To prevent dizziness, get up slowly when getting up from a sitting position or out of bed.
- If you have diabetes: If you are diabetic, you need to be extra careful with your blood sugar levels when taking niacin. This is because niacin may change the way your diabetes medication works, requiring a change in dosage. So check your blood sugar levels regularly, and talk to your doctor about this regularly.
- Regular medical checkups: While taking niacin, your doctor will likely order regular blood tests to monitor your cholesterol levels, liver function, and blood sugar levels. Don't skip them.
Remember, niacin is only one part of the cholesterol management journey. In addition, adopting a balanced, heart-healthy diet and exercising daily are also essential to your health.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, niacin can have side effects. They can be divided into two main categories.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Thirst more than usual, frequent urination, feeling unusually tired, blurred vision. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Facial redness, flushing | Redness of the face and neck as described above. |
| Stomach discomfort | Belching, burping, gas. |
Can niacin interact with other medications?
Yes, niacin can interact with some medications. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking.
Some of the main types of medications that can cause problems are:
- Aspirin
- Medicines for blood pressure, chest pain, or heart disease
- Other medications taken to lower cholesterol or triglycerides
- Nitroglycerin
- Other nutritional supplements containing niacin or nicotinamide
Take-Home Message
- Niacin is vitamin B3. It is used in high doses to control cholesterol.
- Always take the medication with a low-fat meal. This can reduce side effects such as stomach upset and flushing.
- Flushing is a common side effect. Talk to your doctor about ways to manage it.
- Never start, stop, or change the dosage of niacin without medical advice.
- While taking niacin, do not skip scheduled blood tests to monitor liver and blood sugar levels.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about all other medications and supplements you are taking.
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