Vitamin B3 or niacin is a supplement used to treat vitamin B3 or pellagra deficiency (deficiency). In addition, this supplement can also be used in the treatment of dyslipidemia. The need for vitamin B3 can actually be met by regularly consuming milk, rice, eggs, whole wheat bread, fish, lean meats, nuts, yeast, and green vegetables. However, when a person is malnourished, addicted to alcohol, or a carcinoid tumor, the risk for vitamin B3 deficiency increases.

Niacin plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin, nerve cells, and the digestive system. In lowering cholesterol levels, vitamin B3 works by reducing the production of proteins that transport cholesterol in the blood. Vitamin B3 is water soluble so it is excreted in the urine and cannot be stored in the body.

Warning Before Taking Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B3 should not be used carelessly. The following are things you should pay attention to before taking vitamin B3:

Do not take vitamin B3 if you are allergic to this supplement.
Tell your doctor concerning any allergies you've got.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had heart disease, liver disease, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, blood disorder, hypotension, biliary disease, glaucoma, electrolyte imbalance, hypothyroidism, gout, angina, or diabetes.
Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from alcoholism.
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or coming up with a pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you're taking bound medications, supplements, or herbal products.
See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking vitamin B3.

How to Take Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Correctly

Always follow the doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking vitamin B3. Do not take vitamin B3 more than the recommended dose. Vitamin B3 is taken after meals. Swallow the vitamin B3 tablet or capsule whole with the help of a glass of water. Intake of vitamin B3 from supplements and multivitamins cannot replace intake from food. Supplements and multivitamins are only additional intake. Store vitamin B3 at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from direct sunlight.

Interaction of Vitamin B3 (Niacin) with Other Drugs

Vitamin B3 can cause drug interactions when used with certain drugs, including:

Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis if used with statin drugs, such as atorvastatin, cerivastatin, iovastatin, pitavastatin, rosuvastatin, or simvastatin
Increases risk of liver failure when used with lopitamide, leflunomide, mipomersen, pexdartinib, teriflunomide
Decreases the effectiveness of allopurinol
Increases risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents
Increases risk of vitamin B3 side effects when used with zinc
Affects blood sugar levels when used with antidiabetic drugs
Increases risk of hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs

Side Effects and Dangers of Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

If taken according to the doctor's recommendations and the rules for use, vitamin B3 supplements rarely cause side effects. Some of the side effects that can appear after taking vitamin B3 are burning sensation and flushing in the face (flushing), bloating, stomach pain, dizziness, or pain around the mouth.

If consumed in excessive doses, vitamin B3 can cause gout, increased blood sugar, irregular heartbeat, stomach ulcers, and even blindness. Immediately see a doctor if you experience the side effects mentioned above or experience an allergic reaction to drugs after taking vitamin B3.