Nicotinic acid, its mechanism of action and pharmacological effects

Nicotinic acid has a great ability to change the plasma levels of various lipids and lipoproteins. Its ability to increase the plasma concentration of HDL lipoprotein cholesterol has created interest in researchers regarding pharmacological potent of nicotinic acid. Along with great pharmacological benefits, nicotinic also encounters some side effects that are not pleasant especially strong cutaneous vasodilation called flushing. Based on the insights in to the mechanism of action of nicotinic acid new strategies are currently being developed to maximize the potential of drug. In this paper pharmacokinetic, administration, contradictions, adverse effects, monitoring, toxicity are reviewed for nicotinic acid.