Abiblo Pharmacology - Nicotinic Acid

Nicotinic acid

Nicotinic acid is useful in treating dyslipidemia. Nicotinic acid is a vitamin B3 with a lipid lowering mode of action. Nicotinic acid will act as an additional / adjunct therapy to dyslipidemia or as replacement due to contraindicated to statin. 

Nicotinic acid may increase the high density lipoprotein. There will reduction in the release of very low density lipoprotein from the hepatocytes and decrease in the synthesis of the plasma triglycerides. There will also be a low level of low density lipoprotein. Nicotinic acid is given orally while nicotinic acid is excreted through urine. 

Nicotinic acid may present with flushing. It is wise to consider ibuprofen to reduce the incidence of flushing before administrating nicotinic acid. Nicotinic acid may lead to gout, rashes, and pruritus as well as gastrointestinal discomfort. Glucose tolerance and impairment of the liver function are common in cases of high intake of nicotinic acid. Other rare side effects may include peripheral edema, dyspnea and palpitation. ​