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Dietary supplement

Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature Made

Softgel Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Nature Made with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for cholesterol support, improving circulation, raynaud's phenomenon.Based on those ingredients, 223 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Inositol Hexanicotinate. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg by Nature Made

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product has one active ingredient: inositol hexanicotinate, a form of niacin (vitamin B3) that your body converts to niacin. It's designed to deliver niacin's benefits while reducing the flushing that plain niacin often causes—hence the "flush-free" name.

The softgel capsule also contains several inactive ingredients used to create and deliver the supplement: soybean oil, gelatin, glycerin, water, soy lecithin, yellow beeswax, and colors.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: blood vessel and circulatory function support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Intermittent claudication, Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), Raynaud syndrome, vascular health, endothelial function.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Inositol Nicotinate is rated "Possibly Effective" for Raynaud syndrome (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Inositol Nicotinate is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Intermittent claudication.

The evidence on inositol hexanicotinate is mixed. It's rated possibly effective for Raynaud syndrome, a condition where blood vessels in your fingers overreact to cold or stress.

For the other conditions listed—scleroderma, intermittent claudication (leg pain when walking), psoriasis, restless legs syndrome, and migraine headache—the evidence available to us is insufficient to rate it, meaning we don't have enough reliable data to say whether it works for those uses.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Inositol Nicotinate

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Inositol hexanicotinate is generally well tolerated in the short term, but evidence of long-term safety is limited. High-dose niacin compounds can affect your liver, so caution is warranted.

The most common side effects are abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, flushing, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting—many of which tend to ease within two weeks if you keep taking it, especially if you take it with food or an antacid. Because niacin can impair how your body handles blood sugar, higher doses (3–5 grams daily) are more likely to raise blood glucose.

This product is 500 mg, a lower dose, but anyone with diabetes should still be aware of this risk. Regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety data on file for us to advise either way—talk with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance specific to your situation.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Inositol Nicotinate

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Inositol Nicotinate.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 223 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of the following: anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs (blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin)—there's a Moderate risk of increased bleeding; diabetes medications—Moderate risk of raised blood sugar and reduced drug effectiveness; statins (cholesterol drugs)—Moderate risk of muscle damage; or nicotine patches—Moderate risk of flushing and dizziness.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Inositol hexanicotinate may help with Raynaud syndrome, but evidence for other uses is lacking. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, statins, or nicotine patches, this supplement could cause problems—check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

It's generally well tolerated, but watch for digestive upset and monitor your blood sugar if you're at risk. Your own healthcare provider is the right person to decide whether this is the right fit for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 25, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature Made
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 25, 2020
DSLD ID 211387
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg by Nature Made, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Calories from Fat5 Calorie(s)--
Total Fat0.5 Gram(s)1%
Inositol Hexanicotinate500 mg--

Other ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Soy Lecithin, yellow Beeswax, Colors added

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Inositol Hexanicotinate

Nature Made's Flush-free Niacin is an important B vitamin source that helps support general blood vessel and circulatory function. This is a flush-free niacin product which is appropriate for general circulatory function and may not provide the same type of benefits as a regular niacin supplement.

Seals/Symbols

USP Dietary Supplements Verified

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary supplement

Formulation

Helps support general blood vessel & circulatory function

Colors derived form natural sources - No synthetic dyes No artificial flavors No preservatives No yeast or starch Gluten free

Flush-Free Niacin softgels are made to Nature Made's guaranteed purity and potency standards. USP has tested and verified ingredients, potency, and manufacturing process. USP sets official standards for dietary supplements. www.uspverified.org

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take one softgel daily, with a meal. For easier swallowing, take with water before and during ingestion.

Storage

Keep bottle tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if imprinted seal under cap is broken or missing.

Caution: Not intended for pregnant or lactating women.

Consult your doctor before use if you have or have had liver or other medical conditions. Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur. Most people should not experience flushing when using this product. However a few sensitive individuals may experience some flushing. Do not take on an empty stomach.

Not for use by persons under age of 18 years.

Contains: Soy.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg by Nature Made label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg by Nature Made

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Inositol Hexanicotinate

Interacts with
223 drugs
500 mg per serving

Inositol nicotinate is a 'no-flush' form of niacin marketed for cholesterol and circulation. Evidence that it works as well as regular niacin is weak...

Inositol Hexanicotinate monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Soy Lecithin, Yellow Beeswax, Colors added. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg by Nature Made Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
223Drugs
223 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Inositol Hexanicotinate4 drug types · 223 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of inositol nicotinate with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
Inositol nicotinate has fibrinolytic effects, which may increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, inositol nicotinate might increase blood glucose levels and may diminish the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Inositol nicotinate is metabolized to niacin in the body. Niacin can cause hyperglycemia, abnormal glucose tolerance, and glycosuria. Increased blood glucose monitoring may be necessary, particularly early in the course of treatment.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Hmg-Coa Reductase Inhibitors ("Statins")

Theoretically, concomitant use of inositol nicotinate and statins might increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
Inositol nicotinate is metabolized to niacin in the body. Some case reports have raised concerns that niacin might increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when combined with statins However, a significantly increased risk of myopathy has not been demonstrated in clinical trials.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Transdermal Nicotine (Nicoderm)

Theoretically, concomitant use of inositol nicotinate and transdermal nicotine might increase the risk of flushing and dizziness.
Inositol nicotinate is metabolized to niacin in the body. Inositol nicotinate and nicotine can both cause flushing and dizziness.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg, from the product label.

Nature Made

See all Nature Made products
Name
Nature Made Nutritional Products
City
Mission Hills
State
CA
ZipCode
91346-9606
Phone Number
1-800-276-2878
Web Address
www.NatureMade.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg by Nature Made: Common Questions

Does Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg by Nature Made interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg has a known interaction with 223 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Why is this called 'flush-free' niacin?
Plain niacin often causes flushing (a sudden feeling of heat and redness in the skin). Inositol hexanicotinate, the form in this product, is converted more slowly to niacin in your body, which reduces or eliminates that uncomfortable flushing sensation.
Will this raise my blood sugar if I have diabetes?
Niacin—which this product is converted to—can raise blood glucose, especially at higher doses. This 500 mg dose is on the lower end, so the effect may be minimal, but if you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about whether it's right for you and whether your blood sugar needs monitoring.
What are the most common side effects?
The main ones are abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. These tend to be mild and often fade within two weeks if you keep taking it, especially if you take it with food or an antacid.
Is it safe to take while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data on file for us to say one way or the other. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist—they can help you weigh the pros and cons for your specific situation.
Can I take this if I'm on a statin for cholesterol?
There is a theoretical concern that niacin and statins together might increase the risk of muscle breakdown. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining them—they may want to monitor you more closely or adjust your dosing.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Flush-Free Niacin 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 21 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Inositol Nicotinate 21 references
  1. Anon. Inositol hexaniacinate. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:222-3.
  2. Holti G. An experimentally controlled evaluation of the effect of inositol nicotinate upon the digital blood flow in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon. J Int Med Res 1979;7:473-83. PubMed
  3. Knodel LC, Talbert RL. Adverse effects of hypolipidaemic drugs. Med Toxicol 1987;2:10-32. PubMed
  4. Gibbons LW, Gonzalez V, Gordon N, Grundy S. The prevalence of side effects with regular and sustained-release nicotinic acid. Am J Med 1995;99:378-85. PubMed
  5. Crouse JR III. New developments in the use of niacin for treatment of hyperlipidemia: new considerations in the use of an old drug. Coron Artery Dis 1996;7:321-6. PubMed
  6. Garg A, Grundy SM. Nicotinic acid as therapy for dyslipidemia in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. JAMA 1990;264:723-6. DOI
  7. 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. DOI
  8. Guyton JR, Goldberg AC, Kreisberg RA, et al. Effectiveness of once-nightly dosing of extended-release niacin alone and in combination for hypercholesterolemia. Am J Cardiol 1998;82:737-43.
  9. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline (2000). Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://b
  10. Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
  11. Bays HE, Dujovne CA. Drug interactions of lipid-altering drugs. Drug Saf 1998;19:355-71. PubMed
  12. Figge HL, Figge J, Souney PF, et al. Nicotinic acid: a review of its clinical use in the treatment of lipid disorders. Pharmacotherapy 1988;8:287-94. PubMed
  13. McKenney J. New perspectives on the use of niacin in the treatment of lipid disorders. Arch Intern Med 2004;164:697-705. PubMed
  14. Reaven P, Witztum JL. Lovastatin, nicotinic acid and rhabdomyolysis (letter). Ann Int Med 1988;109:597-8. PubMed
  15. Ito MK. Advances in the understanding and management of dyslipidemia: using niacin-based therapies. Am J Health-Syst Pharm 2003;60(suppl 2):s15-21. PubMed
  16. Garnett WR. Interactions with hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 1995;52(15):1639-45. PubMed
  17. Andersson RG, Aberg G, Brattsand R, Ericsson E, Lundholm L. Studies on the mechanism of flush induced by nicotinic acid. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh). 1977 Jul;41(1):1-10. PubMed
  18. Brown WV. Niacin for lipid disorders. Indications, effectiveness, and safety. Postgrad Med. 1995 Aug;98(2):185-9, 192-3. PubMed
  19. Aramwit P, Srisawadwong R, Supasyndh O. Effectiveness and safety of extended-release nicotinic acid for reducing serum phosphorus in hemodialysis patients. J Nephrol. 2012 May-Jun;25(3):354-62. PubMed
  20. He YM, Feng L, Huo DM, Yang ZH, Liao YH. Benefits and harm of niacin and its analog for renal dialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Urol Nephrol. 2014 Feb;46(2):433-42. PubMed
  21. Schandelmaier S, Briel M, Saccilotto R, Olu KK, Arpagaus A, Hemkens LG, Nordmann AJ. Niacin for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Jun 14;6:CD009744. PubMed

See these in context on the Inositol Nicotinate monograph →

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

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