%0 Journal Article
%T Extended Release Niacin-Laropiprant in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia or Mixed Dyslipidemias Improves Clinical Parameters
%A Helen Vosper
%J Clinical Medicine Insights: Cardiology
%D 2012
%I 
%R 10.4137/CMC.S7601
%X The progression of atherosclerosis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Plaque formation is an immunological response driven by a number of risk factors, and reduction of risk is the primary goal of treatment. The role of LDL-C is well established and statins have proved effective drugs, although the relative risk reduction is only around 30%. The importance of other factors¡ªnotably low HDL-C and high TGs¡ªhas become increasingly clear and the search for alternative strategies continues. Niacin is particularly effective in achieving normalization of HDL-C but is clinically underutilized due to the side effect of cutaneous flushing. The discovery that flushing is mediated by mechanisms distinct from the lipid-lowering effects has led to the development of combination drugs with reduced side effects. This review considers the evidence regarding the clinical efficacy of extended-release niacin and the DP1 antagonist laropiprant in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemias.
%U http://www.la-press.com/extended-release-niacin-laropiprant-in-patients-with-hypercholesterole-article-a2843