cholesterol, lowering with fibrates

cholesterol, lowering with niacin Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is a water-soluble B vitamin that improves levels of all lipoproteins when given in doses well above the vitamin requirement. Niacin lowers the total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, while raising the HDL cholesterol level. A common and troublesome side effect of niacin is flushing, or hot flashes, which is a result of the widening of blood vessels. Most patients develop a tolerance for 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 a physician. “No-flush” niacin formulations are also available. A variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, indigestion, gas, vomiting, diarrhea, and the activation of peptic ulcers have been seen in some patients who use niacin. Other major adverse effects include liver problems, gout, and high blood sugar; risk of these complications increases as the dose of niacin increases. The nicotinamide form of niacin does not lower cholesterol levels.