Safety, tolerability and efficacy of acipimox in type II hyperlipidaemia

Twenty-one patients with type II hyperlipidaemia were treated with the nicotinic acid analogue, acipimox (Olbetam; Farmitalia), for 6 months. Total cholesterol decreased by 10% and the high-density lipoprotein: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio increased by 13%. Triglycerides were unaltered. Two patients stopped the drug after developing gastro-intestinal side-effects. Acipimox therapy warrants ongoing use and further investigation.