Niaspan, a form of niacin, is a cholesterol medication doctors typically prescribe to increase your high-density lipoprotein, or good, cholesterol. It may also be effective for lowering your low-density lipoprotein, or bad, cholesterol. More than one type of niacin medication exists, some of which claim to be as effective without the side effects that Niaspan may cause. This, however, is debatable.
Niaspan
Niaspan is the brand name for a high-dose prescription form of niacin, a B vitamin that converts carbohydrates into energy and ensures your skin, hair and eyes remain healthy. The recommended daily allowance of niacin for adults is about 15 mg per day. Although niacin can increase your HDL and modestly lower your LDL, a higher dose is necessary for effective cholesterol treatment. This comes in the form of prescription niacin, or Niaspan. The typical dosage of Niaspan is 500 mg per day, according to Drugs.com. This may change at the discretion of your doctor.
Flushing
Flushing is the most common side effect of Niaspan and happens as a result of expanding blood vessels on the surface of the skin. Not everyone experiences flushing the same way. The most common characteristics are a reddening, tingling, warming and itching of the skin, usually on the upper part of the body.
Nonflushing Niaspan
Niaspan can increase your HDL between 15 and 35 percent, according to MayoClinic.com. The severity of flushing can force people to stop taking it or look for the nonflushing form. Many over-the-counter supplements, such as niacinamide or inositol nicotinate, are marketed as no-flush or nonflush niacin. However, these do not lower your cholesterol, Cleveland Clinic warns. Some may even increase your risk for liver damage. They are packaged as slow-release, controlled-release or timed-release.
Options
You can receive the benefits of Niaspan, improve your cholesterol and reduce flushing simultaneously. Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D., of eMedTV recommends taking a coated aspirin 30 minutes before taking your dose of Niaspan. Taking it with or after a snack and avoiding alcoholic or hot beverages may also help. Ask your doctor to start you with a small dose and gradually increase it. You may still experience slight flushing, but this should subside over time.
