Acipimox
Acipimox is a lipid-lowering medication belonging to the nicotinic acid class, used primarily to treat hypertriglyceridemia and mixed hyperlipidemia. It works by reducing the hepatic production of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and increasing the activity of lipoprotein lipase, thereby lowering circulating triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Acipimox is a nicotinic acid derivative used to lower elevated blood fats (triglycerides and cholesterol) in patients with lipid disorders.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C10AD06
- RxNorm
- 16817
- Generic
- Acipimox
- Class
- atc-c10
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
generalavoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
generalavoid
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug, not recommended for nursing mothers
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
generalstart with lower dose
use with caution, monitor for adverse effects, consider reduced starting dose
regular monitoring of liver function and lipids
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrennot recommended
not recommended for use in children and adolescents due to lack of safety data
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose
use with caution, dose reduction may be required in moderate to severe renal impairment
monitor renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
use with caution in hepatic impairment, monitor liver function tests
regular liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
generallimit alcohol consumption
limit alcohol intake while taking acipimox, may increase risk of liver toxicity and flushing
monitor liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Acipimox is used to treat hypertriglyceridemia (high blood triglyceride levels) and mixed hyperlipidemia. It is typically prescribed when dietary modifications and lifestyle changes alone are insufficient to control lipid levels.
Acipimox is a niacin (vitamin B3) analog that reduces hepatic VLDL production, decreases fatty acid mobilization from adipose tissue, and enhances lipoprotein lipase activity. These actions lead to reduced blood triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels.
Common side effects include facial flushing, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea. It is contraindicated in patients with peptic ulcer disease and severe renal impairment. Patients should be monitored for liver function and lipid panels during treatment. Alcohol should be avoided as it may worsen flushing and elevate triglycerides.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy