Acipimox

Acipimox is a niacin derivative belongoing to hypolipidemic agent

Acipimox is used in the treatment of hyperlipidemias

.Acipimox is Rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and Not significantly metabolized get excreted Via urine (mainly unchanged). Elimination half-life: Approx 2 hours.

The Tmax of Acipimox was found to be about approximately 2 hours.

Acipimox shows common side effects like weight loss, headache, abdominal pain, nausea

Acipimox is available in Capsules

Acipimox is available in India, Germany, Canada, France, USA

Acipimox inhibits the production of triglycerides by the liver and the secretion of VLDL, which leads indirectly to a modest reduction in LDL and increase in HDL.

Acipimox is available in the form of Capsules.

Acipimox is used in the treatment of hyperlipidemias.

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 are standard doses of nicotinic acid. Acipimox inhibits the production of triglycerides by the liver and the secretion of VLDL, which leads indirectly to a modest reduction in LDL and increase in HDL. Long-term administration is associated with reduced mortality, but unwanted effects limit its clinical use.

Acipimox is approved for use in the following clinical indications

• Hyperlipidemias

• Oral
• Fredrickson type IIb hyperlipoproteinaemia, Fredrickson type IV hyperlipoproteinaemia
• Adult: As an alternative or adjunct in patients who have not responded adequately to other treatments (e.g. statins, fibrates): Usual dose: 250 mg bid or tid. Dose is individualised based on the patient's plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Dosing recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries.

Acipimox is available in the dosage strength of 250 mg.

Acipimox is available in the form of Capsules.

• Dosage Adjustment in Kidney Patient

Take after eating and with a full glass of water to decrease gastric upset.

Acipimox is contraindicated in patients with:

Active peptic ulcer. Severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min). Pregnancy and lactation. 

Common Adverse effects:

• Headache
• Flushing
• Indigestion

Less Common Adverse effects:

▪ Serious allergic reaction which causes difficulty in breathing or dizziness

▪ Difficulty in breathing or wheezing

▪ Nausea (feeling sick)

▪ Rash, itching, redness

▪ Inflammation of muscle tissue causing pain in the muscles and joints

▪ Feeling hot, malaise (generally not feeling well)

Rare Adverse effects

▪ Eye problems including dry or gritty eye

▪ Vasodilatation (widening of the blood vessels)

▪ Diarrhea

May enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of statins and fibrates.

The common side effects of Acipimox include the following :

Pharmacodynamic

• 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 are standard doses of nicotinic acid. Acipimox inhibits the production of triglycerides by the liver and the secretion of VLDL, which leads indirectly to a modest reduction in LDL and increase in HDL. Long-term administration is associated with reduced mortality, but unwanted effects limit its clinical use.

Pharmacokinetics

● Absorption: Rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Time to peak plasma concentration: Approx 2 hours.

● Metabolism: Not significantly metabolised.

● Excretion: Via urine (mainly unchanged). Elimination half-life: Approx 2 hours.

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1364710/
2. https://reference.medscape.com/drug/colestid-Acipimox -342452
3. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00375
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/Acipimox
5. https://europepmc.org/article/med/6988203