Abstract
Niacin is available in a number of different formulations according to the speed of
drug release. The nomenclature is not standardized, and many names are used interchangeably,
creating confusion. Formulations that differ in time of release may have different
lipid effects and vary in their adverse reaction profiles. Studies comparing immediate-release
with various time-release formulations illustrate these variations. Studies have found
immediate-release and the intermediate, or extended-release, once-a-day, prescription
form of niacin (i.e., Niaspan), to be essentially equivalent with respect to their
efficacy in reducing triglycerides and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
(HDL-C). However, there are fewer side effects and better compliance associated with
the latter form.
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References
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© 2000 Excerpta Medica Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
