Niacin
Niacin (Vitamin B3) is a B-complex vitamin used both to treat niacin deficiency (pellagra) and manage lipid disorders by improving cholesterol levels. As a vasodilator in the ATC-C04 class, it is prescribed to raise HDL (good) cholesterol while lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.
Niacin is a B-vitamin supplement that treats pellagra and improves cholesterol profiles by raising HDL and lowering LDL and triglycerides.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C04AC01
- RxNorm
- 7393
- Generic
- Niacin
- Class
- atc-c04
- Brands
- Folivane-F, Endur-Acin, Irospan Tablet, Vitafol-One, Concept OB, Endur-Amide, Endur-Thine, Niacor, Poly-Vi-Sol, Slo-Niacin, Niaspan, MVC-Fluoride
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use unless clearly needed, benefits must outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal care and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
continue only if essential, discuss risks with healthcare provider
fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, continue as prescribed
monitor infant for unusual symptoms
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose
use with caution due to increased sensitivity, monitor liver function
regular liver function tests, blood glucose monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsweight-based dosing
use only for approved indications such as familial hypercholesterolemia or niacin deficiency
monitor liver function, blood counts, and lipid panel
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe ckduse with caution, may need dose reduction
avoid in patients with severe renal impairment unless benefits outweigh risks
monitor renal function, watch for myopathy
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
active liver diseasedo not use
contraindicated in active liver disease, jaundice, or significant hepatic impairment
liver function tests contraindicated for use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
Niacin has been prescribed since the 1950s for lipid management
Drug class
B vitamin supplement and lipid-lowering agent
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications for niacin therapy
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological effects of niacin
Niacin is used to prevent and treat pellagra (niacin deficiency), manage dyslipidemia by raising HDL cholesterol, lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and is sometimes used in combination with other lipid-lowering agents for comprehensive cardiovascular risk management.
Niacin inhibits hepatic VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) production, which reduces the amount of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides circulating in the blood. It also increases HDL cholesterol by reducing its breakdown and promoting its transport of excess cholesterol back to the liver for disposal.
Common side effects include flushing, warmth, and redness of the skin, particularly in the face. Patients should start at low doses and gradually increase to minimize side effects. Liver function tests should be monitored periodically, and alcohol should be avoided around the time of dosing. Niacin may interact with statins and other lipid-lowering medications.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy