Niacin pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics Niacin is rapidly absorbed from the Gl tract peak serum concentrations usually occur within 45 minutes. The plasma elimination half-life is approximately 45 minutes. Approximately one third of an oral dose is excreted unchanged in the urine. 

Pharmacokinetics Niacin is administered orally. It is converted in the body to nicotinamide, which is incorporated into the cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Niacin, its nicotinamide derivative and other metabolites are excreted in the urine. [Note Nicotinamide alone does not decrease plasma lipid levels.]... 

Pieper JA (2003) Overview of niacin formulations differences in pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety. Am J Health Syst Pharm 60(Suppl 2) S9-14. Knodel LC, Talbert RL (1987) Adverse effects of hypolipidaemic drugs. Med Toxicol 2 10-32. 

Nicotinic acid has little effect on the cytochrome P450 isoenzyme system and is therefore unlikely to result in significant pharmacokinetic interactions. It also appears to increase the risk of myopathies when given with statins, see Statins + Nicotinic acid (Niacin) , p.ll06. Also note that al-... 

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