Annatto - Niaspan (Niacin (prescription drug)) Interaction
Herbal: Annatto
Also Known As: Bixa orellana, Acafrao, Acafroa, Achiote, Achioti, Achiotillo, Achote, Achote of the Mountain, Analto, Anatto, Annatto Orellana, Annato, Annotta, Arnotta, Atole, Axiote, Bicha, Bija, Bixa, Bijo, Bijol, Black Grain, Caituco, Cascaverde, Graopreto, Green Peel, Guajachote, Koessewee
Drug: Niacin (prescription drug)
Brand names:
Niaspan, Niacor
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jun 02, 2024
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Niacin (prescription drug) and Annatto. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Annatto Overview
Annatto is a natural food coloring made from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), which is native to Central and South America. The tree is known for its small, red, spiky seeds (annatto) which have a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and are sometimes used as a spice, but more commonly for their coloring properties. The seeds are ground into a powder and used to add a yellow or orange color to foods. It can also be used to dye fabrics and cosmetics.
Annatto has also been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, including as a source of antioxidants, as an anti-infective, to increase athletic performance, to decrease muscle soreness, and improve bad breath.
There have been several reports of annatto causing allergic reactions in some individuals, so it should be used cautiously.
Niacin (prescription drug) Overview
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Niacin is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol (a fat-like substance) and other fatty substances in your blood and to increase the amount of high density lipoprotein (HDL; ''good cholesterol''). Niacin can be used in a number of situations including the following:
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alone or in combination with other medications, such as HMG-CoA inhibitors (statins) or bile acid-binding resins;
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to decrease the risk of another heart attack in patients with high cholesterol who have had a heart attack;
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to prevent worsening of atherosclerosis (buildup of cholesterol and fats along the walls of the blood vessels) in patients with high cholesterol and coronary artery disease;
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to reduce the amount of triglycerides (other fatty substances) in the blood in patients with very high triglycerides who are at risk of pancreatic disease (conditions affecting the pancreas, a gland that produces fluid to break down food and hormones to control blood sugar).
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Niacin is also used to prevent and treat pellagra (niacin deficiency), a disease caused by inadequate diet and other medical problems. Niacin is a B-complex vitamin. At therapeutic doses, niacin is a cholesterol-lowering medication.
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Results of a clinical study in people with heart disease and well-controlled cholesterol levels that compared people who took niacin and simvastatin with people who took simvastatin alone and found similar results for the two groups in the rate of heart attacks or strokes. Taking niacin along with simvastatin or lovastatin also has not been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease or death compared with the use of niacin, simvastatin, or lovastatin alone. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the risks and benefits of treating increased amounts of cholesterol in your blood with niacin and other medications.
Annatto - More Interactions
Annatto interacts with 84 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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