Questions and Answers
What are the actions of niacin?
What is another name for niacin?
Vitamin B3
Niacin can cause peripheral vasodilation.
True
What can niacin reduce the risk of?
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What should be monitored in patients using niacin?
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Which of the following are common adverse effects of niacin?
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Niacin can be taken with dietary supplements to treat dyslipidemia.
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What should be done every 6-8 weeks during the first year of niacin therapy?
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What are the serious adverse effects of niacin?
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Niacin should be used with caution in __________ patients due to glucose intolerance.
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What is one drug interaction of niacin?
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Study Notes
Actions of Niacin
- Inhibits VLDL synthesis in liver cells, leading to reduced LDL and triglyceride production.
- Known as vitamin B3, it can lower triglycerides by 20-50% and cholesterol/LDL-C by 5-25%.
- May also increase HDL levels by 15-35%.
Effects of Niacin
- Can cause peripheral vasodilation, resulting in increased blood flow and skin flushing.
Uses of Niacin
- Employed alongside dietary therapy to lower cholesterol and reduce atherosclerosis risk, potentially leading to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
Approved Form of Vitamin B3
- Niacin is the only vitamin B3 form approved for treatment of dyslipidemias.
- It can be combined with statins or bile acid-binding resins for enhanced cholesterol reduction.
Caution for Diabetic Patients
- Use with diabetic patients requires caution due to potential glucose intolerance.
- Sustained-release formulations carry a greater risk of hepatotoxicity compared to immediate-release forms.
Immediate Release Products
- Immediate-release niacin products are more likely to cause skin flushing.
- Dietary supplement intake should not exceed 20 mg/day, while therapeutic niacin doses range from 1-6 g/day.
Therapeutic Outcomes
- Expected outcomes include LDL reduction (5-25%), total cholesterol reduction, triglyceride reduction (20-50%), and HDL increase (15-35%).
Nursing Implications
- Assess serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels before initiating therapy.
- Conduct liver function tests (bilirubin, AST, ALT, GGT, alkaline phosphatase, PT) initially and every 6-8 weeks during the first year.
- Determine baseline uric acid and blood glucose levels prior to therapy.
- Measure blood pressure and pulse before treatment initiation.
- Inquire about any gastrointestinal issues before therapy.
Potential Induced Conditions
- Niacin therapy may induce hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, and gout in susceptible individuals.
Common Adverse Effects
- Adverse effects can be mitigated by taking aspirin or ibuprofen 30 minutes before niacin or ingesting it with meals.
- Common effects include flushing, itching, rash, tingling, headache, nausea, gas, abdominal discomfort, pain, dizziness, faintness, and hypotension.
Serious Adverse Effects
- Can lead to hepatotoxicity (symptoms include fatigue, anorexia, nausea, malaise, jaundice) and myopathy.
Drug Interactions
- Increased risk of myopathy when combined with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors during treatment.
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Description
This quiz covers essential flashcards about Niacin, also known as vitamin B3. Learn about its actions, potential side effects, and therapeutic uses in reducing cholesterol. Perfect for students or healthcare professionals looking to enhance their knowledge about this important drug class.
