The mechanism and mitigation of niacin-induced flushing.
OBJECTIVE
To summarise the metabolic responses to niacin that can lead to flushing and to critically evaluate flushing mitigation research.


RESULTS
This comprehensive review of the mechanism of action of niacin-induced flushing critically evaluates research regarding flushing mitigating formulations and agents. Niacin induces flushing through dermal Langerhans cells where the activation of G protein-coupled receptor 109A (GPR109A) increases arachidonic acid and prostaglandins, such as prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), subsequently activating prostaglandin D(2) receptor (DP(1)), prostaglandin E(2) receptor (EP(2)) and prostaglandin E receptor 4 (EP(4)) in capillaries and causing cutaneous vasodilatation. Controlling niacin absorption rates, inhibiting prostaglandin production, or blocking DP(1), EP(2) and EP(4) receptors can inhibit flushing. Niacin extended-release (NER) formulations have reduced flushing incidence, duration and severity relative to crystalline immediate-release niacin with similar lipid efficacy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), notably aspirin given 30 min before NER at bedtime, further reduce flushing. An antagonist to the DP(1) receptor (laropiprant) combined with an ER niacin formulation can reduce flushing; however, significant residual flushing occurs with clinically-relevant dosages.


CONCLUSIONS
Niacin is an attractive option for treating dyslipidemic patients, and tolerance to niacin-induced flushing develops rapidly. Healthcare professionals should particularly address flushing during niacin dose titration.
Kamanna
V S
VS
Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Atherosclerosis Research Center, CA 90822, USA.
Ganji
S H
SH
Kashyap
M L
ML
D016718:Arachidonic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005483:Flushing / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009525:Niacin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011448:Prostaglandin Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011453:Prostaglandins; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D011982:Receptors, Prostaglandin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D011448:Prostaglandin Antagonists; D011453:Prostaglandins; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D011982:Receptors, Prostaglandin; D009525:Niacin; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; C036293:prostaglandin D2 receptor
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