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Side Effects of Slo-Niacin

Also referred to as niacin, Slo-niacin is an oral prescription medication, which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of conditions such as high cholesterol and vitamin B3 deficiency (pellagra). It is the brand name of a medicinal form of the vitamin B3.

  1. Contraindications

    • Slo-niacin might interact with certain prescription drugs to cause harmful side-effects. According to MedicineNet, when Slo-niacin is taken with Simvastatin, it might raise the risk of muscle toxicity by decreasing the elimination of simvastatin. The interaction between the two drugs might cause a condition called rhabdomyolysis, which has side-effects that include muscle aches and weakness.

    Flushing

    • Flushing is among the most common side-effects reported by people taking Slo-niacin. It is characterized by a sensation of warmth in the face and neck, as well as itching, sweating and tingling. A fact sheet by Feinberg School (Northwestern University) states that this side-effect is experienced by people who take the pharmacological doses of the drug. At these high doses, niacin triggers a histamine release that causes flushing. Asthmatics and people suffering from peptic ulcers might be harmed by this process.

    Toxicity

    • According to the Feinberg School's fact sheet, taking high doses of this medication could promote hepatic toxicity (liver toxicity), which is a drug--induced liver disease. MedicineNet reports on the liver damage that Slo-niacin can cause, which includes jaundice and, in extreme cases, even liver failure. It states that the risk of liver toxicity is higher when sustained-release rather than immediate-release formulations of Slo-niacin are taken. Taking alcohol when you are on a Slo-niacin treatment regimen might also have toxic effects.

    Serious Side Effects

    • WebMD lists a number of serious side-effects that must be reported to your doctor immediately (see Resources). These include: severe abdominal pain, unexplained muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, black stool and yellowing eyes and skin. Allerigic reactions to the drug such as persistent itching, facial or oral swelling and severe dizziness should also be reported.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Some of the side-effects of Slo-niacin might be prevented or alleviated. Flushing, for example, can be avoided by beginning with low doses, and then gradually increasing the dose administered. In addition, the development of liver toxicity can be avoided or minimized by limiting the doses that are administered to amounts that do not exceed 2 grams a day. It is essential to consult with a licensed health care provider before you start, change or stop taking Slo-niacin.

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