Inositol niacinate is a medication doctors prescribe for lowering cholesterol and improving blood circulation. It opens up the blood vessels and breaks up a protein your body uses for clotting blood. This helps lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Inositol has side effects and may affect your blood pressure levels, however.
Blood Pressure
The amount of force that is used to pump your blood through your body is called your blood pressure. The flexibility and size of your arteries and the amount of blood that is pumped all factor into the amount of blood pressure needed. Having high blood pressure, defined as blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg, can increase your risk for kidney failure, stroke, heart attack and heart failure.
Inositol and Blood Pressure
Inositol may lower your blood pressure. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome who were given d-chiro-inositol for a study published in November 2002 in "Endocrine Practice" had lower blood pressure after eight weeks than study participants given a placebo. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure if you already have low blood pressure levels to make sure they don't become too low.
Inositol Side Effects
Inositol may have other side effects not related to blood pressure, including dizziness, diarrhea, itching, flushing, upset stomach, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. More serious but less common side effects include allergic reactions, severe stomach pain, dark urine and yellowing of the skin. Inositol can also lower blood sugar levels. Speak with your doctor if any side effects are bothering you.
Considerations
Inositol is not safe for everyone. If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or suffer from kidney, liver or heart problems or ulcers, you may not be able to take inositol. Make sure to tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you take, as inositol can interact with certain medications, including nicotine patches, blood thinners, NSAIDs, aspirin and statins.
