If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may decide to treat it with some type of medication. High levels of low-density lipoprotein -- also called LDL or bad cholesterol -- are especially alarming. LDL cholesterol is the portion of your cholesterol that clogs your arteries and puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke. Low levels of HDL cholesterol are also alarming, but in a different way. HDL cholesterol, also called high-density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol, transports LDL cholesterol back to your liver for disposal. Niacin is a type of B vitamin called B-3 that lowers blood cholesterol and improves circulation. In addition, all B vitamins help to metabolize fat. Ask your doctor if niacin is an appropriate cholesterol treatment for you.
Forms of Niacin
Niacin is available in several supplemental forms including nicotinic acid, niacinamide and inositol hexanicotinate. Niacin in the form of nicotinic acid is the only type of niacin that has an effect on cholesterol. It is available over the counter in supplement form but the ingredients and formulations can be very different. Discuss over-the-counter forms of niacin with your doctor before taking them. Niacin labeled as "no-flush" is not effective in treating cholesterol.
Niacin Therapy
Often administered in the form of prescription nicotinic acid in high doses, niacin can effectively lower your LDL cholesterol and increase your HDL level. Niacin is even more effective administered as a combination therapy with statin drugs and can increase your HDL by 50 percent or more, as reported by MayoClinic.com. Adding niacin to statins can also make a significant improvement in LDL levels, as opposed to treatment with statins alone. Due to side effects, niacin doses are very individualized. Your physician will slowly increase your dose until he determines the dose appropriate for you.
Side Effects
Side effects of niacin include skin flushing, blurred vision, dizziness, headache and an upset stomach. In addition, niacin may cause an increased risk of liver damage and stomach ulcers. Report these side effects, and any other concerns you have while taking niacin, to your doctor. Side effects may become more toxic in doses of 50 mg or more.
Warnings
Do not take niacin if you have gout or a history of liver disease or stomach ulcers. Diabetics and people with gallbladder disease require careful monitoring while taking niacin and should use niacin only under the supervision of their physicians. Niacin may also interact with other medications, such as antibiotics, aspirin, blood pressure medications and other cholesterol-lowering medications, so it is important to disclose all medications you are taking to your doctor.
