title: Rechallenge with crystalline niacin after drug-induced hepatitis from sustained-release niacin.
abstract: Niacin (nicotinic acid) is available in several forms, including crystalline preparations and various types of sustained-release preparations. Evidence exists that sustained-release niacin, with respect to both dosage and severity, is more hepatotoxic than crystalline niacin. Three patients who developed hepatitis during treatment with sustained-release niacin were rechallenged with equivalent or higher doses of crystalline niacin, with no evidence of recurring hepatocellular damage. Although the mechanism for niacin-induced hepatitis is unknown, these cases support previous observations that crystalline niacin may be less hepatotoxic than sustained-release preparations in certain patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Henkin
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Segrest
mesh_terms: D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D003460:Crystallization; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009525:Niacin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D009525:Niacin