Drug interactions
Linagliptin-metformin + Niacin
Severity: Moderate
Linagliptin-metformin and Niacin: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Nicotinic acid at lipid-lowering doses can worsen insulin resistance and raise blood glucose, which may counteract the effect of antidiabetic drugs. The effect is dose-related and can require adjustment of diabetes therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Linagliptin-metformin and Niacin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Linagliptin-metformin belongs to Endocrine; Niacin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Niacin increases insulin resistance and hepatic glucose output, antagonising antidiabetic effects.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c after starting or increasing niacin, and intensify antidiabetic therapy if needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Linagliptin-metformin
Other interactions of Niacin
- Alogliptin-metformin + Niacin Moderate
- Atorvastatin + Niacin Moderate
- Canagliflozin-metformin + Niacin Moderate
- Cholestyramine + Niacin Moderate
- Colestipol + Niacin Moderate
- Dapagliflozin-metformin + Niacin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Linagliptin-metformin with Niacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Linagliptin-metformin and Niacin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Nicotinic acid at lipid-lowering doses can worsen insulin resistance and raise blood glucose, which may counteract the effect of antidiabetic drugs. The effect is dose-related and can require adjustment of diabetes therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Linagliptin-metformin and Niacin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c after starting or increasing niacin, and intensify antidiabetic therapy if needed.
What other medicines interact with Linagliptin-metformin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Linagliptin-metformin with, for example, Apalutamide, Carbamazepine, Contrast media. The full list is on the Linagliptin-metformin page.
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