Anaphylactic Shock From Niacin Symptoms
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, is a widely used treatment for high cholesterol. Anaphylactic shock is a medical term for a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction to a substance. Niacin therapy commonly produces adverse side effects, but only rarely causes a patient to go into anaphylactic shock. When it does, however, knowing the symptoms are key to survival.
Other People Are Reading
-
Normal Niacin Side Effects
-
Niacin therapy commonly causes a mild allergic reaction, according to the Mayo Clinic. The reaction includes reddening of the skin, especially around the face, ears and neck. This reaction generally takes place at the beginning of therapy and whenever the patient increases the dose. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea also may occur at the start of therapy.
Anaphylactic Shock Symptoms
-
According to the Mayo Clinic, anaphylactic shock almost always causes the patient's skin to break out in hives, itch, or become flushed or pale. Further symptoms include difficulty breathing and a swollen tongue or throat, a weak or fast pulse, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, dizziness and fainting.
-
How To Tell The Difference
-
According to the Mayo Clinic, niacin therapy rarely results in anaphylactic shock. But because niacin side effects and anaphylactic shock have common symptoms (flushed skin, itchy skin, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), it can be difficult to tell the difference.
Timing can be one hint. According to the Mayo Clinic, flushing may decrease after a week or two of therapy, so if the flushing happens during this timeframe, the reaction is more than likely normal. If there is any doubt, however, or if several symptoms are present, it is best to seek medical advice.
Treating Anaphylactic Shock
-
People who have severe allergies often carry an epinephrine pen, an emergency injector that curbs the symptoms of anaphylactic shock. If someone has had a severe allergic reaction, a trip to the hospital is still necessary to make sure the symptoms are gone for good. If the person is in anaphylactic shock but does not have an epinephrine pen, call 911; the person may have only minutes or less to live without medical help.
Allergy Medicine
-
According to the Mayo Clinic, patients may be able to reduce the skin flushing by taking an anti-inflammatory drug at the same time as the niacin, or by taking an antihistamine about 15 minutes before the dose.
-
