Nicotinic Acid Treatment of Hypercholesteremia

Three different preparations of nicotinic acid have been compared with plain nicotinic acid in the treatment of 28 patients with hypercholesteremia. The hypocholesteremic effects were similar with the 4 preparations. The most significant difference was the greater frequency and severity of side effects during treatment with the 3 sustained-action preparations, and this precluded the majority of patients from completing a 3-month period of treatment. Gastrointestinal symptoms predominated and impairment of tests of liver function were more numerous in these 3 groups. Two patients developed jaundice while on treatment with one of the sustainedaction preparations. In most instances treatment with plain nicotinic acid has been resumed without difficulty.