Niaspan and Alcohol Interaction

Niaspan and Alcohol

Niaspan generic name niacin is a drug which reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides and increases HDL (good) cholesterol. Niaspan contains niacin which is nicotinic acid, vitamin B3 which occurs naturally I plants and animals and is available in vitamin supplements.

Niaspan lowers cholesterol levels which reduces the risk of a second heart attack, slows or treats hardening of the arteries and lowers high serum triglyceride levels when used in combination with diet change.

It is suggested moderate consumption of alcohol while using this drug as the drug’s effectiveness may be decreased.

At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. If anything more than that it is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.

If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.

If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.

Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.

Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.

When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.

Before using Niaspan advise your doctor if you are allergic to any other drug or substance, if you are using dietary or herbal supplements, are pregnant, plan to be or are breastfeeding, have liver or kidney disease, heart disease, chest pain, stomach ulcer, diabetes, gout or a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.

Side Effects

Less serious side effects are mild dizziness, warmth, redness, tingling, itching, dry skin, sweating, chills, nausea, diarrhea, belching, gas, muscle pain, leg cramps or insomnia.If these occur call your physician for advice.

Serious side effects are severe allergic reactions such as hives difficult breathing, tight chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue, throat, lightheaded, faint, fast pounding uneven heartbeat, short of breath, swelling, jaundice, muscle pain, tenderness, weakness with fever or flusymptoms or dark urine.If these occur get emergency medical help.

This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.

Niaspan and Alcohol Niaspan and Alcohol

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