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Nicotinic acid and laropiprant


  • Take these tablets in the evening after a meal.
  • The most common side-effect is flushing. This will improve after a few days and is reduced by taking your doses with food.
  • Lifestyle change is important in reducing cholesterol, for example, eating healthy food, reducing alcohol intake, stopping smoking and increasing exercise levels.

About nicotinic acid and laropiprant

Type of medicineLipid-regulating drug
Used forTreating cholesterol problems
Also calledTredaptive®
Available asModified release tablets

Cholesterol is made naturally in the body and is absorbed from the food we eat. If the total level of cholesterol is too high in the blood stream, it is deposited on the walls of blood vessels. Eventually this leads to a narrowing of the blood vessels and can even block them completely.

High levels of cholesterol do not make people feel ill but can cause problems if left untreated. Nicotinic acid helps prevent medical problems caused by cholesterol and fats building up in blood vessels, such as heart disease. Flushing is a side-effect of treatment with nicotinic acid, but laropiprant combined with it, helps to reduce this.

Before taking nicotinic acid and laropiprant

Before taking nicotinic acid and laropiprant make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have ever had liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have angina, diabetes, gout, or have recently had a heart attack.
  • If you have ever had a stomach ulcer.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take nicotinic acid and laropiprant

  • Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take these tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. The usual starting dose is one tablet in the evening, but this may be increased to two tablets after a few weeks.
  • Swallow the tablets whole - they must not be split, broken, crushed, or chewed before swallowing.
  • Take the tablets with or just after food, or a meal.
  • Try to take your doses at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • It is important that you follow any advice you have been given by your doctor about a healthy diet and regular exercise.
  • Smoking tends to increase your cholesterol level and puts a strain on your heart and circulatory system. If you smoke, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about help quitting.
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol can increase your cholesterol levels.
  • Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be monitored.
  • If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood glucose more frequently as these tablets may affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will be able to advise you about this.

Can nicotinic acid and laropiprant cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Flushing, feeling hotThis should improve as your body adjusts. Avoid drinking alcohol or hot drinks, or eating spicy foods at the same time as you take your doses
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace lost fluids
Indigestion, stomach ache, feeling or being sickEat little and often. Stick to simple or bland foods
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues speak with your doctor
Dizziness, tingling sensations in fingers or toes, itching, and skin rashesIf any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

How to store nicotinic acid and laropiprant

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3874DocRef: dils2376Last Reviewed: 19 Oct 2011Version: 25
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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