Niaspan and A-Fib

I apologize for asking two questions in such a short time.I am 35 year old male. My cholesterol has always been normal(120-150) and LDL nice and low (60-80) it's just that my HDL has always been low (25-33). Instead of the Zocor 20mg I take to keep my ratio good I would like to take Niaspan. I have regular PVC's and PAC's and have had an episode of A-Fib for which I take Toprol 50mg and Cardizem 180mg. My question is can Niaspan cause Premature beats or cause me to have A-Fib again? I have read in the PDR under side effects that Niaspan can cause A-Fib and other arrhthmias. Thanks.

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Erik,

I have never encountered someone that I felt developed atrial fibrillation from niaspan.  Some of the side effects/warnings listed in the PDR are placed there even though a similiar amount of side effects/warnings were seen with placebo.  Arrthymias can be precipitated in patients with unstable coronary artery disease, but this is very uncommon, and is usually seen at high doses.

I must say, however, that unless there is unstated information, I do not see an indication for niaspan.  Certainly talk to your doctor, or a lipid specialist, before taking this medication.

Hope that helps.