Drug Interactions With Niacin Extended-Release

Bile acid sequestrants can bind to niacin extended-release in the digestive tract and decrease its absorption into the body. To avoid this drug interaction, niacin extended-release should be taken at least one hour before or four to six hours after a bile acid sequestrant has been given.

 

Niacin extended-release may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. This means that you may be at an increased risk of bleeding if you are taking both niacin extended-release and warfarin. Your healthcare provider may choose to monitor your INR and prothrombin time more frequently and make any necessary dosing adjustments. INR and prothrombin time measure how well your blood is clotting.

 

Consuming alcohol or hot beverages while taking niacin extended-release can increase the flushing caused by niacin extended-release. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid these beverages around the time you take your niacin extended-release. Alcohol and niacin extended-release can also both be damaging to the liver, so it is best to avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol at any time during your treatment with niacin extended-release.

 

If you are taking both aspirin and niacin extended-release, your body may metabolize the drugs differently than intended. Aspirin can cause niacin extended-release to stay in your body longer than normal. In addition, both medicines can be damaging to the liver. However, the use of aspirin with niacin extended-release can also be beneficial because it helps reduce the flushing that is associated with niacin extended-release. Your healthcare provider may recommend that, instead of aspirin, you take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen to help control this side effect.