|
|
Niacin | |
| Depletion or interference |
None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known |
| Supportive interaction |
None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability |
None known |
| Adverse interaction |
None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Niacin
Some sources have reported that taking niacin together with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may
result in serious muscle damage.1 However, niacin has also been used in combination
with statin drugs without ill effects, and has been found to enhance the cholesterol-lowering
effect of these drugs.2 3 Persons taking cerivastatin or any other
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor should consult with their doctor before taking niacin.
1. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 675–7.
2. Davignon J, Roederer G, Montigny M, et al. Comparative efficacy and safety of pravastatin, nicotinic acid and the two combined in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Am J Cardiol 1994;73:339–45.
3. Jacobson TA, Jokubaitis LA, Amorosa LF. Fluvastatin and niacin in hypercholesterolemia: a preliminary report on gender differences in efficacy. Am J Med 1994;96(suppl 6A):64S–8S.
| |||||||