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Niacin Interaction with Alcohol


Are you taking Niacin? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Niacin with alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.

Niacin Interactions with Alcohol

Niacin should be avoided while taking alcohol because it causes liver damage, flushing and itching (1 Trusted Source
National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines.

Go to source
).

When and How to Take Niacin

  • Niacin is available in the form of a tablet and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to be taken orally.
  • The extended-release tablet is usually taken once daily, at bedtime, after a low-fat snack, while the regular tablet is taken two to three times daily with meals.
  • Swallow the extended-release tablets as a whole instead of crushing, chewing or breaking them.
  • Follow the instructions as given in the doctor's prescription.
  • Do not exceed or skip a dose. If a dose is missed, take the medication as soon as it is remembered.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule.
  • Do not double the dose at a time to compensate for a missed dose (2 Trusted Source
    National Library of Medicine: Niacin MedlinePlus Drug Information.

    Go to source
    ).

References

1. National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines
2. National Library of Medicine: Niacin MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682518.html

Drug Name : Niacin

Niacin is an antihyperlipidemic agent, prescribed for hyperlipidemia.
We recommend consulting your doctor to verify the information presented on this page or if you need any further clarifications.


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