Extended release niacin-laropiprant in patients with hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemias improves clinical parameters.

Abstract

The progression of atherosclerosis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Plaque formation is an immunological response driven by a number of risk factors, and reduction of risk is the primary goal of treatment. The role of LDL-C is well established and statins have proved effective drugs, although the relative risk reduction is only around 30%. The importance of other factors-notably low HDL-C and high TGs-has become increasingly clear and the search for alternative strategies continues. Niacin is particularly effective in achieving normalization of HDL-C but is clinically underutilized due to the side effect of cutaneous flushing. The discovery that flushing is mediated by mechanisms distinct from the lipid-lowering effects has led to the development of combination drugs with reduced side effects. This review considers the evidence regarding the clinical efficacy of extended-release niacin and the DP1 antagonist laropiprant in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemias.

• Authors: Helen Vosper
• Journal: Clinical Medicine Insights. Cardiology (Clin Med Insights Cardiol) Vol. 5 Pg. 85-101 ( 2011) ISSN: 1179-5468 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22084607 (Publication Type: Journal Article)