Niacin - Lopid (Gemfibrozil) Interaction
Herbal: Niacin
Also Known As: 3-Pyridinecarboxylic Acid, Vitamin B3
Drug: Gemfibrozil
Brand names:
Lopid
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 26, 2024
Interaction Details
Gemfibrozil is classified as belonging to the following category: Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Niacin has been associated with cases of liver toxicity, especially when used in pharmacologic doses. Sustained-release niacin preparations appear to be associated with a higher risk of hepatotoxicity than immediate-release niacin.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. ASHP Therapeutic Position Statement on the safe use of niacin in the management of dyslipidemias. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1997;54:2815-9.
- Bays HE, Dujovne CA. Drug interactions of lipid-altering drugs. Drug Saf 1998;19:355-71.
- Rader JI, Calvert RJ, Hathcock JN. Hepatic toxicity of unmodified and time-release preparations of niacin. Am J Med 1992;92:77-81.
- Etchason JA, Miller TD, Squires RW, et al. Niacin-induced hepatitis: a potential side effect with low-dose time-release niacin. Mayo Clin Proc. 1991;66(1):23-8.
- Henkin Y, Johnson KC, Segrest JP. Rechallenge with crystalline niacin after drug-induced hepatitis from sustained-release niacin. JAMA. 1990;264(2):241-3.
- Henkin Y, Oberman A, Hurst DC, Segrest JP. Niacin revisited: clinical observations on an important but underutilized drug. Am J Med. 1991;91(3):239-46.
- Bassan M. A case for immediate-release niacin. Heart Lung. 2012 Jan-Feb;41(1):95-8.
Interaction Details
Gemfibrozil is classified as belonging to the following category: Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and gemfibrozil might increase the risk of myopathy in some patients.
A case of myopathy from concomitant use of niacin and gemfibrozil has been reported. Niacin alone has also been associated with cases of myopathy. Using gemfibrozil with niacin might further increase the risk of developing myopathy.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Litin SC, Anderson CF. Nicotinic acid-associated myopathy: a report of three cases. Am J Med. 1989;86(4):481-3.
- Gharavi AG, Diamond JA, Smith DA, Phillips RA. Niacin-induced myopathy. Am J Cardiol. 1994;74(8):841-2.
- Litin SC, Anderson CF. Nicotinic acid-associated myopathy: a report of three cases. Am J Med. 1989;86(4):481-3.
Niacin Overview
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin found in a variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, and fortified grains.
It plays a variety of roles in the body, including in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also necessary for the production of energy in the body and in the synthesis of different hormones.
Niacin deficiency is rare in developed countries, however, supplementation has been shown to have several positive benefits. For example, it can reduce the risk of diabetic neuropathy (i.e., nerve pain) and has been shown effective for treating some types of high cholesterol (extended-release niacin is used as a prescription drug in the United States for this purpose).
There is a multitude of niacin forms available as dietary supplements, including NADH, niacinamide, and nicotinamide riboside, all with different properties.
Gemfibrozil Overview
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Gemfibrozil is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides (other fatty substances) in the blood in certain people 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). Gemfibrozil is also used in people with a combination of low high-density lipoprotein (HDL; 'good cholesterol') levels and high low-density lipoprotein (LDL; 'bad cholesterol') and triglyceride levels to reduce the risk of heart disease. Gemfibrozil is in a class of lipid-regulating medications called fibrates. It works by reducing the production of triglycerides in the liver.
Niacin - More Interactions
Niacin interacts with 696 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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