Formulary
Nicotinic acid: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
In doses of 1.5 to 3 g daily, it lowers both cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations by inhibiting synthesis; it also increases HDL-cholesterol.
MedNext Academy | 3 min read
Nicotinic acid: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
In doses of 1.5 to 3 g daily, it lowers both cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations by inhibiting synthesis; it also increases HDL-cholesterol.
Drug action
In doses of 1.5 to 3 g daily, it lowers both cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations by inhibiting synthesis; it also increases HDL-cholesterol.
Indications and dose
**Adjunct to statin in dyslipidaemia or used alone if statin not tolerated**
- **Adult** (By Mouth): (consult product literature).
Cautions
Acute myocardial infarction; diabetes mellitus; gout; history of peptic ulceration; unstable angina
Contraindications
Active peptic ulcer disease; arterial bleeding
Side effects
Frequency not known Angioedema; arrhythmias; asthenia; burping; cough aggravated; diarrhoea; dizziness; dyspnoea; flushing; gastrointestinal disorders; gout; hepatic disorders; hyperhidrosis; hypotension; insomnia; macular oedema; migraine; myalgia; myopathy; nausea; nervousness; oedema; palpitations; paraesthesia; respiratory disorders; skin reactions; syncope; tongue oedema; vision blurred; vomiting Side-effects, further information Prostaglandin-mediated flushing is common, typically within an hour of dosing and lasting for 15-30 minutes (particularly with the initial doses). Taking after a meal or taking aspirin before dosing minimises flushing.
Pregnancy
No information available-manufacturer advises avoid unless potential benefit outweighs risk.
Breast feeding
Present in milk-avoid.
Hepatic impairment
Avoid in severe impairment. Discontinue if severe abnormalities in liver function tests. Monitoring Manufacturer advises monitor liver function in mild to moderate hepatic impairment.
Renal impairment
Manufacturer advises use with caution-no information available.
Medicinal forms
Tablet
Clinical governance
**Author:** MedNext Clinical Team. **Clinical reviewer:** Dr Shameer Deen, MBBS, MS, MRCS. **Sources:** BNF, Indian Pharmacopoeia, CIMS India. **Correction:** Report errors at support@mednext.academy.
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