Niaspan Side Effects

Generic name: niacin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 17, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about niacin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Niaspan.

Applies to niacin: oral capsule, oral capsule extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Serious side effects of Niaspan

Along with its needed effects, niacin (the active ingredient contained in Niaspan) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking niacin:

Less common

• Darkening of urine
• light gray-colored stools
• loss of appetite
• severe stomach pain
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of Niaspan

Some side effects of niacin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• cough
• diarrhea
• feeling of warmth
• flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• rash or itching
• runny nose
• sneezing
• stuffy nose

Incidence not known

• Dizziness or faintness
• dryness of the skin
• fever
• frequent urination
• joint pain
• muscle aching or cramping
• side, lower back, or stomach pain
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• unusual thirst
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to niacin: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral capsule extended release, oral liquid, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Cardiovascular

Very common (10% or more): Flushing (i.e., warmth, redness, itching, and/or tingling) (up to 88%)

Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, palpitations, atrial fibrillation, other cardiac arrhythmias, syncope, hypotension, postural hypotension^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus

Frequency not reported: Sweating, skin burning sensation, maculopapular rash, dry skin

Postmarketing reports: Skin discoloration^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (up to 14%), nausea (up to 11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting

Frequency not reported: Peptic ulcers, eructation, flatulence^[Ref]

Hematologic

Postmarketing reports: Slight reductions in platelet counts, prothrombin time prolonged^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, flushing, dyspnea, tongue edema, larynx edema, face edema, peripheral edema, laryngismus, vesiculobullous rash)^[Ref]

Hepatic

Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis, jaundice^[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Decreased glucose tolerance, gout^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Myalgia, myopathy^[Ref]

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Dizziness, syncope

Postmarketing reports: Migraine, asthenia, paresthesia^[Ref]

Ocular

Postmarketing reports: Blurred vision, macular edema^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Postmarketing reports: Insomnia, nervousness^[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Chills, edema^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Cough increased

Frequency not reported: Dyspnea^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• How long does niacin stay in the human system?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer