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Compare Zetia vs. Niaspan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Ezetimibe (Zetia) and Niacin ER (Niacor, Slo-Niacin) are both used to manage high cholesterol, but they work differently and have distinct characteristics. Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor that lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) by reducing its absorption in the gut. It is typically taken once daily and can be used alone or with statins. Niacin ER, a form of vitamin B3, works by blocking fat release from tissues and slowing cholesterol production in the liver. It also helps raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) and lower triglycerides. Niacin ER is taken once daily at bedtime, while ezetimibe is taken once daily at any timeorning. Ezetimibe generally has fewer side effects, while Niacin ER commonly causes flushing and stomach upset. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics, and neither is recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ezetimibe is not a first-choice medication and is often added to statins. Niacin ER also isn't a first-choice medication, and is used when statins are not effective or cause side effects.

  • Zetia (ezetimibe)
    Niacin er
  • Zetia (ezetimibe)
    Niacin er

  • Summary of Zetia vs. Niaspan

    Summary for Cholesterol absorption inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Zetia (ezetimibe) is an oral medication used to treat people with high cholesterol by lowering total cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels in the blood. It generally has few side effects and is commonly taken in addition to or as an alternative to statin medications. And whether you take it alone or with other medications, it's important to continue exercising and eating a healthy diet to get the most treatment benefit.

    Summary for Antilipemic

    Niacin ER (also known as vitamin B3) is a prescription antilipemic medication for adults. It's used to lower high cholesterol and triglycerides (a common form of fat) levels, but it's not a first-choice option for this condition. Niacin ER is taken by mouth once daily, while niacin (Niacor) is typically taken three times daily. Some side effects of niacin ER include flushing and stomach upset. Please note that niacin is also available over-the-counter to treat vitamin B3 deficiency.

  • Indications of Zetia vs. Niaspan

    Indications for
    •Treatment of high cholesterol in certain people
    Indications for
    •High cholesterol and high triglycerides
    •Lower risk of repeat heart attack in people with a history of heart attack and high cholesterol
    •Slow plaque buildup in the arteries of people with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and high cholesterol (as an add-on medication)
    •Severely high triglycerides in people who are at risk of pancreatitis (as an add-on medication)

  • Pros and Cons of Zetia vs. Niaspan

    Pros and Const for Cholesterol absorption inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works pretty well to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels, about 13-20%
    •Only needs to be taken once per day
    •Can be taken with or without food at any time of the day
    •Doesn't have too many side effects
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Hasn't been shown to lower the risk of heart attacks, stroke, or heart disease
    •Not the best choice for people with moderate to severe liver problems
    •Can interact with many medications
    •Doesn't work as well as statins to lower cholesterol if taken alone
    •Unknown if safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Antilipemic
    Pros
    •Can lower “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and raise “good” (HDL) cholesterol in people who have trouble doing so with diet and exercise alone
    •Can also lower triglycerides
    •An option for people who didn’t have success or had side effects with statins
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Doesn’t work as well as statin medications in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides
    •Can cause flushing, a bothersome side effect
    •Need to take immediate-release form multiple times a day
    •Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Zetia vs. Niaspan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (4%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Joint pain (3%)
    •Inflamed sinuses (3%)
    •Pain in arms or legs (3%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Extended-release tablets:

    •Flushing (up to 69%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 14%)
    •Nausea (up to 11%)

  • Warnings of Zetia vs. Niaspan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Liver problems when taken with a statin
    Common Side Effects for
    •Muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney and heart damage (rhabdomyolysis)
    •Liver damage

  • Prices with our coupons for Zetia vs. Niaspan

    Learn more about Zetia
    Learn more about Niacin er

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