Nicotinic acid

Question 1

What is its indication?

Answer 1

Adjunct to statin in dyslipidaemia or used alone if statin not tolerated

Question 2

What are its contraindications?

Answer 2

active peptic ulcer disease
arterial bleeding

Question 3

What are cautions?

Answer 3

Acute MI
DM
Gout
History or peptic ulceration
Unstable angina

Question 4

What are side effects?

Answer 4

Angioedema
arrhythmia
asthenia
Diarrhoea
dizziness
dyspenoea
GI disorders

Prostaglandin- mediated flushing is common.
Normally within 1hour dosing and lasts for 15-30 mins

Taking after a meal or taking aspirin before minimises flushing.

Question 5

Is it safe in pregnancy and or breastfeeding?

Answer 5

Present in milk—avoid

Pregnancy :

No information available—manufacturer advises avoid unless potential benefit outweighs risk