Definition of Cholesterol lowering with niacin
Cholesterol lowering with niacin: Niacin or nicotinic
acid, one of the water-soluble B
vitamins, improves all lipoproteins when given in doses well above
the vitamin requirement. Nicotinic acid lowers the total cholesterol,
"bad" LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, while raising the
"good" HDL-cholesterol level.
There are two types of nicotinic acid: immediate release and timed
release. Most experts recommend starting with the immediate-release
form; discuss with your doctor which type is best for you.
Nicotinic acid is inexpensive and widely accessible to patients
without a prescription but must not be used for cholesterol lowering
without the 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 serum cholesterol should
be closely monitored by their doctor to avoid complications from this
medication. 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.
Nicotinic acid reduces LDL-cholesterol levels by 10 to 20 percent,
reduces triglycerides by 20 to 50 percent, and raises HDL-cholesterol
by 15 to 35 percent.
A common and troublesome side effect of nicotinic acid is flushing or
hot flashes, which are the result of the widening of blood vessels.
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 effect of high blood pressure medicines may also be
increased while you are on niacin. If you are taking high blood
pressure medication, it is important to set up a blood pressure
monitoring system while you are getting used to your new niacin
regimen. A variety of gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea,
indigestion, gas, vomiting, diarrhea, and the activation of peptic
ulcers have been seen with the use of nicotinic acid.
Three other major adverse effects include liver problems, gout,
and high blood sugar. Risk of these three complications increases as
the dose of nicotinic acid is increased. Your doctor will probably
not prescribe this medicine for you if you have diabetes, because of
the effect on your blood sugar.
Last Editorial Review: 5/31/1999 6:39:00 AMCommon Misspellings: cholestrol lowering with niacin, cholesteral lowering with niacin, chlorestol lowering with niacin, cholestoral lowering with niacin, colesterol lowering with niacin
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