An Introduction to Dosing With Niacin Extended-Release/Lovastatin
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless specifically your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
Niacin Extended-Release/Lovastatin Dosage for High Cholesterol
Your healthcare provider may increase your dose if necessary. This must be done slowly to minimize flushing due to the
niacin component of the medication. The dose should be increased no more rapidly than by 500 mg (based on the niacin component) every four weeks. The dosage can also be decreased if
side effects of niacin extended-release/lovastatin occur. The maximum recommended daily dosage is niacin extended-release/lovastatin 2000 mg/40 mg.
There is no way to take less than 20 mg of the lovastatin component while taking niacin extended-release/lovastatin, since the tablets cannot be split. Therefore, if a lower lovastatin dosage is recommended in your particular situation, this medication is not a good choice for you.
In order to minimize flushing, your healthcare provider may recommend taking aspirin or other similar nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (
NSAIDs), such as
ibuprofen. This works best if you take the aspirin or NSAID about 30 minutes before your niacin extended-release/lovastatin dose. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider first, since there may be a reason why you should not take aspirin or an NSAID.
