The B vitamin niacin has been used to lower cholesterol levels for many years. Niacin is available as a over-the-counter supplement, but prescription versions -- which contain significantly higher doses of the vitamin -- can be taken as well, according to MayoClinic.com. Examples of the these medications are Niaspan® which is an extended-release medication, and Niacor; the average dosage for these medications is 1 g to 2 g each day, according to both Niacin and Niacor Prescription Information sheets. The higher doses can increase the risk of side effects; patients who take prescription niacin need regular follow-up by their prescribing physicians.
Cough
One side effect of Niaspan is increased cough, according to the Prescription Information sheet. This occurred in more than 5 percent of patients in the original clinical trial; it was more common in people who were placed on the 2,000 mg per day dose of niacin.
Flushing
Another common side effect associated with prescription niacin medications is flushing of the face, neck and chest, according to HeartHealthyWomen.org. This condition occurs right after taking the dose and lasts for a few hours. Flushing is more of an issue when using immediate-release formulation than when taking an extended-release version; this is due to the more rapid absorption into the body of the immediate-release drug and the multiple doses required to reach the daily niacin dose. Taking a low-dose aspirin prior to the niacin dose may lessen the symptoms, according to The Permanente Medical Group.
Gastrointestinal Problems
People who take prescription niacin may develop stomach problems. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be common with this medication, according to The Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. Prescription niacin can also lead to stomach ulcers as well; patients with active stomach ulcers should not take prescription niacin, according to the Niaspan Prescription Information sheet.
Liver Damage
Another potential side effect of prescription niacin is liver problems, including liver failure and hepatitis, according to HeartHealthyWomen.org. Patients who switch from the immediate-release niacin to an extended-release formulation without the advice of a physician are at higher risk for liver damage, according to Niaspan Prescription Information sheet. The doctor who prescribes the medication will monitor the liver enzyme levels periodically to check for liver damage.
Increase in Blood Glucose
Prescription niacin treatment can cause increased blood sugar levels, according to HeartHealthyWomen.org. Blood glucose levels may rise in both people who are pre-diabetic and in people who have already been diagnosed with the condition, according to the Niaspan Prescription Information sheet. The blood sugar levels of these patients should be monitored regularly, especially when the niacin treatment is first initiated. Patients may require diet or medication adjustment to account for any blood glucose problems.
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