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How do I choose a niacin product?

Niacin, also called vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, is used in high doses to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Niacin products are available over-the-counter in regular and slow-release forms. One slow-release niacin, Niaspan, is available by prescription. Slow-release niacin may cause less flushing and upset stomach than regular niacin. Unfortunately, slow-release niacin causes liver damage more often than regular niacin. Another form of niacin, niacinamide or nicotinamide, causes fewer side effects but is not effective for lowering cholesterol.

Niacin should only be used to lower cholesterol under the direction of a doctor.

Sources:
McKenney, J.M., "A comparison of the efficacy and toxic effects of sustained- vs immediate-release niacin in hypercholesterolemic patients," Journal of the American Medical Association 271 (1994).
Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach, Appleton and Lange, 1999.
USP-DI Advice for the Patient: Drug Information in Lay Language, Micromedex, Inc., 1998.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Silverman, H.M, J.A. Romano, G. Elmer. The Vitamin Book, Bantam Books, 1999.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2006.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2006.

This answer prepared: 3/8/2001.
This information updated 2/7/2007.