Related Experiment Videos
Lactic acidosis associated with high-dose niacin therapy
T P Earthman1, L Odom, C A Mullins
1Department of Internal Medicine, St. Joseph Hospital, Houston, Tex.
Southern Medical Journal
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Sustained-release nicotinic acid can cause lactic acidosis, a serious condition. Prompt treatment with glucose and stopping the medication led to recovery in this case.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Nicotinic acid (niacin) is a vitamin used to treat dyslipidemia.
- Sustained-release formulations aim to improve tolerability but may alter pharmacokinetic profiles.
- Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency characterized by elevated lactate levels.
Observation:
- A patient developed lactic acidosis after ingesting sustained-release nicotinic acid.
- The patient presented with symptoms consistent with severe metabolic acidosis.
Findings:
- Discontinuation of sustained-release nicotinic acid therapy was crucial for recovery.
- Intravenous glucose-containing fluids facilitated the resolution of lactic acidosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential adverse effect of sustained-release nicotinic acid.
- Clinicians should consider lactic acidosis in patients on this medication presenting with metabolic acidosis.
- Prompt recognition and management are vital for patient outcomes.