acipimox at a glance
Medicine class
Nicotinic acid derivative and antilipolytic lipid-modifying treatment.
Licensed role
Treatment of high triglycerides, including mixed high cholesterol and triglycerides, after inadequate response to other measures.
Administration
Swallow the capsule with water, with or after a main meal.
Routine checks
Blood lipids, kidney function and liver function require monitoring.
What is acipimox used for?
Licensed uses include:
High triglycerides when treatments such as statins or fibrates have not produced an adequate response.
Combined high cholesterol and triglycerides when other treatments have not produced an adequate response.
Use as an alternative or addition to other lipid-lowering treatment after measures such as dietary change, exercise and weight reduction.
How does acipimox work?
Acipimox activates the HCA2 receptor in fat tissue, reducing the release of fatty acids. With fewer fatty acids reaching the liver, production of triglyceride-rich VLDL falls, helping reduce triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations.
How to take acipimox
Take acipimox exactly as prescribed. It is an oral capsule intended to be taken with or after main meals.
Swallow the capsule with a glass of water.
Do not change or stop treatment without discussing this with the prescriber.
People with reduced kidney function may need an individually adjusted prescription.
acipimox side effects
Common or expected effects
- Flushing or warmth, especially when starting treatment
- Headache
- Indigestion or upper abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Hives
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling, dizziness or breathing difficulty
- Bronchospasm causing wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Muscle inflammation, pain, tenderness or weakness
acipimox in pregnancy
Human pregnancy experience is limited and safety has not been established. Acipimox is not recommended during pregnancy or when pregnancy is possible; discuss alternatives with the prescriber.
acipimox while breastfeeding
It is not known how much acipimox enters breast milk. It is not recommended while breastfeeding, so specialist or prescriber advice is required.
acipimox interactions
Tell the prescriber about all medicines, particularly other lipid-lowering treatments.
Statins
Use requires caution because related nicotinic-acid treatment has been associated with increased muscle toxicity when combined with statins.
Fibrates
The combination requires caution because of reported musculoskeletal events with related lipid-lowering combinations.
Colestyramine
Concurrent use has not been shown to alter acipimox absorption.
Warfarin or digoxin
No interaction was demonstrated, although routine clinical monitoring should continue where otherwise indicated.
Common questions about acipimox
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is acipimox used for?
It is licensed to reduce high triglycerides, including mixed high cholesterol and triglycerides, when lifestyle measures and other treatments have not worked adequately or are unsuitable.
Does acipimox prevent heart attacks or strokes?
A reduction in cardiovascular illness or death has not been established for acipimox.
Can acipimox be taken with a statin?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.