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Niacor

What is a stroke?

Brain cell function requires a constant delivery of oxygen and glucose from the bloodstream. A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, causing brain cells to die. Blood flow can be compromised by a variety of mechanisms.

Blockage of an artery

  • Narrowing of the small arteries within the brain can cause a lacunar stroke, (lacune means "empty space"). Blockage of a single arteriole can affect a tiny area of brain causing that tissue to die (infarct).
  • Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) leading to the brain. There are four major blood vessels that supply the brain with blood. The anterior circulation of the brain that controls most motor  activity, sensation, thought, speech, and emotion is supplied by the carotid arteries. The posterior circulation, which supplies the brainstem and the cer...

Niacor

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SIDE EFFECTS

Cardiovascular: Atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias, orthostasis, hypotension.

Gastrointestinal: Dyspepsia, vomiting, diarrhea, peptic ulceration, jaundice, abnormal liver function tests. Skin: Mild to severe cutaneous flushing, pruritus, hyperpigmentation, acanthosis nigricans, dry skin. Metabolic: Decreased glucose tolerance, hyperuricemia, gout.

Eye: Toxic amblyopia, cystoid macular edema.

Nervous System/Psychiatric:Headache.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors: See WARNINGS, Skeletal Muscle.

Antihypertensive Therapy:Nicotinic acid may potentiate the effects of ganglionic blocking agents and vasoactive drugs resulting in postural hypotension.

Aspirin: Concomitant aspirin may decrease the metabolic clearance of nicotinic acid. The clinical relevance of this finding is unclear.

Other: Concomitant alcohol or hot drinks may increase the side effects of flushing and pruritus and should be avoided at the time of drug ingestion.

Last reviewed on RxList: 10/27/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Niacor - User Reviews

Niacor User Reviews

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