An Introduction to Niacin Extended-Release/Simvastatin Dosing
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Dosage for High Cholesterol
The recommended starting
niacin extended-release/simvastatin dose for most people with
high cholesterol is 500/20 mg once a day, taken at bedtime with a low-fat snack.
Your healthcare provider may increase your dose if necessary. This must be done slowly, to minimize liver problems as well as flushing due to the niacin component of the medication. It is recommended to increase the dose no more rapidly than by 500 mg (based on the niacin component) every four weeks. The dosage can also be decreased if side effects occur. The maximum recommended daily dosage of niacin extended-release/simvastatin is 2000/40 mg (two 1000/20 mg tablets) once daily.
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 dose of niacin extended-release/simvastatin. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider first, since there may be a reason why you should not take aspirin or an NSAID.
There is no way to take less than 20 mg of the simvastatin component while taking niacin extended-release/simvastatin, since the tablets cannot be split. Therefore, if a lower simvastatin dosage is recommended in your particular situation, this medication is not a good choice for you.
