General Sedate Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking General Sedate against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
General Sedate is a dietary supplement by 5 Chinese Elements with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, vitamin b3 deficiency (pellagra), heart health support.Based on those ingredients, 727 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Niacin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against General Sedate by 5 Chinese Elements
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with General Sedate by 5 Chinese Elements — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of General Sedate by 5 Chinese Elements
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
General Sedate contains 2 active ingredients. The first is niacin, a B vitamin that plays a role in energy metabolism and has been studied for cholesterol support and certain nutritional deficiencies.
The product also includes a proprietary blend — a combination ingredient whose exact makeup and amounts aren't disclosed on the label. The capsule itself is made with gelatin.
Does it work?
Couldn't assess
Niacin is likely effective for pellagra, a serious niacin deficiency disease. It's possibly effective for some types of high cholesterol linked to HIV/AIDS and for metabolic syndrome.
The effectiveness of the proprietary blend ingredient is not established in the data we hold.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Niacin from food and standard vitamin doses is generally well tolerated. High-dose niacin supplements carry more risk.
The most common side effects are flushing (which can occur in up to 70% of people at higher doses), stomach upset including nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea, and elevated liver enzymes. Serious but rare side effects include liver damage, muscle breakdown, low platelet counts, and vision changes.
High doses can also raise blood sugar and should be avoided in pregnancy unless prescribed — normal dietary amounts and standard prenatal vitamins are fine.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), antihypertensive drugs, antidiabetes drugs, statins, bile acid sequestrants, or drugs that affect the liver. These are the main medication types with documented moderate-severity interactions with niacin.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Niacin at food and standard supplement doses is generally well tolerated, but this product's strength and your health situation matter. If you take any prescription medications — especially blood thinners, diabetes drugs, blood pressure medications, statins, or liver-sensitive drugs — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
They can check whether it's right for you and monitor you if you do take it.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2013.
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
General information
Key facts about General Sedate, straight from the product label.
| Brand | 5 Chinese Elements |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 635585072014 |
| Net contents | 60 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Aug 23, 2013 |
| DSLD ID | 22306 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
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 General Sedate by 5 Chinese Elements, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Niacin | 16.74 mg | 25% |
| Proprietary Blend | 1480 NP | -- |
Other ingredients: Gelatin
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
General Statements
The Chinese 5 Element Formulas from Dragon Rising were created by A.S. "Doc" Wheelwright by using Eastern influences and modern research to develop the ultimate nutritional supplements for western culture. Qi: General Balance Sedates and nourishes yin of the lungs, kidneys, spleen and liver for general health.
MADE IN U.S.A.
Relieve Depression
FDA Disclaimer Statement
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
DIRECTIONS FOR NUTRITIONAL USE: 1-3 capsules up to twice a day, or as directed. Then take as needed for maintenance. Increase the amount of liquids you drink each day while taking this product.
Seals/Symbols
COMMAND
Storage
Keep away from Heat, Sunlight and Children.
Precautions
Keep away from Heat, Sunlight and Children.
General
#725 H/11
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
General Sedate by 5 Chinese Elements label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in General Sedate by 5 Chinese Elements
These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.
Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.
Niacin
Interacts with727 drugs
Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential nutrient your body needs for energy and metabolism, and deficiency is uncommon in most developed countries. Prescr...
Niacin monograph & interactionsProprietary Blend
Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
General Sedate by 5 Chinese Elements Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
General Sedate by 5 Chinese Elements contains niacin, which interacts with a number of medications.
The most serious documented concerns are with blood thinners (anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs) — niacin may add to their effects and has been linked in some cases to clotting problems and low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia).
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Niacin can also increase your blood pressure medication's effects, potentially lowering your blood pressure too much. It may raise blood sugar and reduce the effectiveness of diabetes medications, and it can increase your liver injury risk if you're taking other drugs that stress the liver.
There's also a theoretical concern that niacin combined with cholesterol-lowering statins might raise the risk of muscle breakdown (myopathy), though this hasn't been proven in large studies. Niacin can interfere with gout medications like allopurinol and probenecid by reducing how much uric acid your kidneys clear, and bile acid sequestrants (cholesterol binders) may decrease how much niacin your body absorbs — these are best taken 4 to 6 hours apart.
We hold no interaction data for the proprietary blend ingredient in this product, so we cannot assess whether it interacts with medications. Altogether, these interactions span 728 individual medications.
Before you start this product, search your exact medications in the tool on this page or talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against General Sedate?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in General Sedate interact with 727 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 2 ingredients in General Sedate interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Niacin
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq
How Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interactionAbacavir, LamivudineEpzicom
How Abacavir, Lamivudine interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Abacavir, Lamivudine interactionAbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, niacin may have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Niacin + Abciximab interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, niacin may have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Niacin + Abrocitinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinAntidiabetes Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Niacin can increase blood glucose levels and may diminish the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Niacin + Acarbose interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinAntihypertensive Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, niacin may increase the risk of hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Read the full Niacin + Acebutolol interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, niacin may have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Niacin + Acenocoumarol interactionAcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Aspirin +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, niacin may have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, niacin may have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with General Sedate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
NiacinHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Read the full Niacin + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in General Sedate 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.
Niacin
Alcohol (Ethanol)
Concomitant use of alcohol and niacin might increase the risk of flushing and hepatotoxicity.
Alcohol can exacerbate the flushing and pruritus associated with niacin. Large doses of niacin might also exacerbate liver dysfunction associated with chronic alcohol use. A case report describes delirium and lactic acidosis in a patient taking niacin 3 grams daily who ingested 1 liter of wine. Advise patients to avoid large amounts of alcohol while taking niacin.
Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as allopurinol.
Large doses of niacin can reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially resulting in hyperuricemia. Doses of uricosurics such as allopurinol might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin. People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin.
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, niacin may have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Several cases of clotting factor synthesis deficiency and coagulopathy have been reported in patients taking sustained-release niacin. Also, thrombocytopenia has been reported in patients treated with niacin or niacin plus lovastatin.
Antidiabetes Drugs
Niacin can increase blood glucose levels and may diminish the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Niacin impairs glucose tolerance in a dose-dependent manner, probably by causing or aggravating insulin resistance and increasing hepatic production of glucose. In diabetes patients, niacin 4.5 grams daily for 5 weeks can increase plasma glucose by an average of 16% and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 21%. However, lower doses of 1.5 grams daily or less appear to have minimal effects on blood glucose. In some patients, glucose levels increase when niacin is started, but then return to baseline when a stable dose is reached. Up to 35% of patients with diabetes may need adjustments in hypoglycemic therapy when niacin is added.
Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, niacin may increase the risk of hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs.
The vasodilating effects of niacin can cause hypotension. Furthermore, some clinical evidence suggests that a one-hour infusion of niacin can reduce systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure in hypertensive patients. This effect is not observed in normotensive patients.
Bile Acid Sequestrants
Bile acid sequestrants can bind niacin and decrease absorption. Separate administration by 4-6 hours to avoid an interaction.
In vitro studies show that colestipol (Colestid) binds about 98% of available niacin and cholestyramine (Questran) binds 10% to 30%.
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.
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.
Hmg-Coa Reductase Inhibitors ("Statins")
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and statins might increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis in some patients.
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, including those using an FDA-approved combination of lovastatin and niacin (Advicor).
Probenecid (Benemid)
Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as probenecid.
Large doses of niacin reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially causing hyperuricemia. Doses of uricosurics such as probenecid might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin. People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin.
Sulfinpyrazone (Anturane)
Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as sulfinpyrazone.
Large doses of niacin reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially causing hyperuricemia. Doses of uricosurics such as sulfinpyrazone might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin. People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin.
Thyroid Hormone
Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of thyroid hormones.
Clinical research and case reports suggests that taking niacin can reduce serum levels of thyroxine-binding globulin by up to 25% and moderately reduce levels of thyroxine (T4). Patients taking thyroid hormone for hypothyroidism might need dose adjustments when using niacin.
Transdermal Nicotine (Nicoderm)
Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and transdermal nicotine might increase the risk of flushing and dizziness.
Niacin and nicotine can both cause flushing and dizziness.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
There is limited evidence that niacin may increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
In a case report, a patient on warfarin developed an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) of 3.9 after taking niacin for two weeks. The patient's INR was previously stable, ranging between 2 and 3 in recent months, and no other medication changes were identified. The elevated INR returned to therapeutic range within 4 days following the discontinuation of niacin.
Aspirin
Large doses of aspirin might alter the clearance of niacin.
Aspirin is often used with niacin to reduce niacin-induced flushing. Doses of 80-975 mg aspirin have been used, but 325 mg appears to be optimal. Aspirin also seems to reduce the clearance of niacin by competing for glycine conjugation. Taking aspirin 1 gram seems to reduce niacin clearance by 45%. This is probably a dose-related effect and not clinically significant with the more common aspirin dose of 325 mg.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for General Sedate, from the product label.
5 Chinese Elements
See all 5 Chinese Elements products- Name
- Dragon Rising, A division of Systemic Formulas Inc.
- Street Address
- P.O. Box 1516
- City
- Ogden
- State
- UT
- ZipCode
- 84402
- Web Address
- www.systemicformulas.com
General Sedate by 5 Chinese Elements: Common Questions
Does General Sedate by 5 Chinese Elements interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is niacin safe during pregnancy?
Will this product make me flush?
Can niacin upset my stomach?
What is niacin used for in this product?
Will my liver be affected if I take this?
What's in the proprietary blend?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if General Sedate is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind General Sedate’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
General Sedate'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 66 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.
Niacin 66 references
- Garg R, Malinow MR, Pettinger M, et al. Niacin treatment increases plasma homocysteine levels. Am Heart J 1999;138:1082-7.
- Anon. Inositol hexaniacinate. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:222-3.
- Knodel LC, Talbert RL. Adverse effects of hypolipidaemic drugs. Med Toxicol 1987;2:10-32. PubMed
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