Niacin (Oral Route)

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Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less commonWith prolonged use of extended-release niacin
  • Darkening of urine
  • Light gray-colored stools
  • Loss of appetite
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common
  • Abdominal pain
  • Feeling of warmth
  • Flushing or redness of skin, especially on face and neck
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy nose
With high doses
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness or faintness
  • Dryness of skin
  • Fever
  • Frequent urination
  • Itching of skin
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle aching or cramping
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Side, lower back, or stomach pain
  • Swelling of feet or lower legs
  • Unusual thirst
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Precautions

DR601013

Portions of this document last updated:

Nov. 1, 2009

Source: Drug Information provided by: Micromedex

Copyright © 2009 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.


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