Research Area: Metabolic Disease, Cardiovascular Disease
Biological Activity:
Acipimox is a niacin derivative used as a hypolipidemic agent. It is used in low doses and may have less marked adverse effects, although it is unclear whether the recommended dose is as effective as those standard doses of nicotinic acid. These drugs inhibit hepatic triglyceride production and VLDL secretions, which lead indirectly to a modest reduction in LDL and increase in HDL. Long-term administration is associated with reduced mortality, but unwanted effects limit it’s clinical use. Adverse effects include flushing (associated with Prostaglandin D2), palpitations, and GIT distrubances. Flushing can be reduced by taking aspirin 20-30 min before. High doses can cause disorders of liver function, impair glucose tolerance and precipitate gout. [1] |