Cholesterol Drugs: Nicotinic Acid

Nicotinic acid or niacin, the water-soluble B vitamin, improves all lipoproteins when given in doses well above the daily requirement. Nicotinic acid lowers total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, while raising HDL cholesterol levels.

 

There are three types of nicotinic acid:

 

Most experts recommend starting with the immediate-release form of this cholesterol drug; talk to your doctor about which type is best for you. Nicotinic acid is inexpensive and widely accessible to patients without a prescription, but must not be used to lower cholesterol without the guidance and monitoring of a physician because of the potential side effects. (Nicotinamide, another form of the vitamin niacin, does not lower cholesterol levels and should not be used in the place of nicotinic acid.)

 

All patients taking nicotinic acid to lower blood cholesterol should be closely monitored by their healthcare provider to avoid complications from this cholesterol drug. Self-medication with nicotinic acid should definitely be avoided because of the possibility of missing a serious side effect if not under a doctor's care.

 

Patients on nicotinic acid are usually started on low daily doses and gradually increased to an average daily dose of 1.5 to 3 grams per day for the immediate-release form, and 1.5 to 2 grams per day for the other forms.

 

Nicotinic acid reduces LDL levels by 10 percent to 20 percent, reduces triglycerides by 20 percent to 50 percent, and raises HDL levels by 15 percent to 35 percent.

 

A common and troublesome side effect of nicotinic acid is flushing or hot flashes, which are the result of blood vessels opening wide. Most patients develop a tolerance to flushing and, in some patients, it can be decreased by taking the drug during or after meals or by the use of aspirin or other similar medications prescribed by your doctor. The extended-release form may cause less flushing than the other forms. The effect of blood pressure medications may also be increased while you are on niacin. If you are taking high blood pressure medication, it is important to establish a blood pressure monitoring system while you are getting used to your new niacin regimen.

 

A variety of gastrointestinal symptoms have been seen with the use of nicotinic acid, including:

 

Three other major adverse effects include liver problems, gout, and high blood sugar. The risk of these effects increases as the dose of nicotinic acid is increased. Your doctor may decide not to prescribe this cholesterol drug for you if you have diabetes because of the effect on your blood sugar.