lovastatin/nicotinic acid (Advicor, Nicostatin)

Introduction

1st niacin/statin combination for dyslipidemia.

Indications

• hypercholesterolemia
• not for initial therapy
• reserve for patients who don't reach their goals with either agent alone

Dosage

• start 1 tab (niacin 500 mg) QHS
• increase by no more than 500 mg of niacin every 4 weeks
• maximum 2000 mg of niacin/day
• take with food:
  • increases absorption of both agents
  • reduces nausea & flushing

Tablets: lovastatin 20 mg plus niacin 500, 750 or 1000 mg

Monitor

• liver function tests
  • prior to therapy
  • every 6-12 weeks for 6 months
  • then every 6 months

Adverse effects

• see lovastatin & niacin
• myopathy
• hepatotoxicity
• hyperglycemia in diabetics

Notes

Manufacturer: Kos

More general terms

• pharmacologic combination

Components

• lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor, monacolin-K, Altoprev)
• nicotinic acid (niacin, vitamin B3, Niaspan)

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=151176