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Flushing Effects of Niacin

Jun 28, 2011 | By Lisa Sefcik
Flushing Effects of Niacin
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Niacin, or vitamin B-3, is a water-soluble vitamin that's a part of a healthy diet. Niacin supplements also may be used therapeutically. Flushing is a side effect associated with use of nicotinic acid, one type of niacin supplement. According to MayoClinic.com, the flushing effects of niacin supplements can be unpleasant enough to cause some patients to stop using them.

Niacin Use

There's strong evidence to support supplemental niacin as a treatment for pellagra, or niacin deficiency, as well as high cholesterol. Niacin supplements can boost your high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, the "good" cholesterol, and may have more positive results than prescription statins. Alternately, MayoClinic.com reports that niacin supplements may be used with statin medications for more comprehensive treatment. Niacin supplements can be purchased with or without a prescription and come in various forms, such as immediate-release, timed-release and extended release.

Flushing Effects

Flushing is a side effect associated with nicotinic acid supplements, and it's common in many people who initiate treatment. Flushing typically affects your face, neck and ears and is characterized by reddening of the skin and a warm, prickly feeling. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University indicates that flushing may occur at the initiation of treatment when you take as little as 30 mg nicotinic acid a day. However, when combined with dizziness, a rapid heart beat, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, flushing also can signify niacin overdose. The flushing effects of niacin may be more pronounced when mixed with alcohol, physical activity, sunlight or spicy foods.

Remediation

Flushing usually subsides after a week or two of niacin therapy, along with other mild side effects such as gastrointestinal upset. Slow-release niacin supplements are less likely to cause unpleasant side effects. Some patients take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or an antihistamine before taking niacin supplements to reduce flushing. Taking the supplements on a full stomach also may be helpful in decreasing unwanted side effects.

Cautions

A combination of niacin and statin medications may raise your "good" cholesterol level by 50 percent as well as reduce your "bad" cholesterol. When treating patients with high cholesterol, doctors generally prescribe nicotinic acid in potent dosages. Consult your doctor to see if this type of therapy is right for you. Self-treating with niacin supplements can be dangerous. Large doses of niacin can result in liver toxicity, jaundice and even liver failure.

References

Article reviewed by Kaydee Lowrey Last updated on: Jun 28, 2011

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