Niacin

Administration

• Type: Vitamin B3
• Dosage Forms:
• Routes of Administration: PO
• Common Trade Names: Niaspan (extended release)

Adult Dosing

• Recommended daily allowance: 16mg/day (men), 14mg/day (women)
• CAD, HLD: 250-6000mg PO daily in 2-3 divided doses
• Pellagra: 150-500mg PO daily in divided doses

Special Populations

• Pregnancy Rating: C
• Lactation risk: Infant risk cannot be ruled out
• Renal dosing:
• Hepatic dosing: contraindicated in active liver disease/hepatic impairment or unexplained LFT abnormalities

Contraindications

• Allergy to class/drug
• Active liver disease or unexplained LFT abnormalities
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Arterial bleeding

Adverse Reactions

Serious

• Hepatotoxicity
• Rhabdomyolysis

Common

• Flushing (88%)
• Nausea/vomiting

Pharmacology

• Half-life: 20-45m
• Metabolism: Hepatic
• Excretion: Mostly renal

See Also

• Hypertriglyceridemia
• Vitamin B3 deficiency