Nicotinic acid is available OTC but should be used with medical supervision.

Nicotinic acid is available OTC but should be used with medical supervision.

• A. OTC but should be used with medical supervision
• B. Prescription only
• C. Not used in hyperlipidemia
• D. Used as diuretic

Answer: (A)

Nicotinic acid (niacin) is available OTC in low-dose forms as a vitamin supplement, but using higher, lipid-lowering doses requires medical supervision because of potential serious side effects. At these pharmacologic doses, there is a real risk of liver injury, so liver function should be monitored periodically. It can also raise blood sugar and uric acid, potentially worsening diabetes or gout, and it often causes flushing mediated by prostaglandins. Proper supervision also helps manage formulation choices (immediate- vs extended-release) and monitor for interactions with other lipid medications. This isn’t a diuretic, and it’s not strictly prescription-only, so the statement about OTC availability with supervision best fits.

Nicotinic acid (niacin) is available OTC in low-dose forms as a vitamin supplement, but using higher, lipid-lowering doses requires medical supervision because of potential serious side effects. At these pharmacologic doses, there is a real risk of liver injury, so liver function should be monitored periodically. It can also raise blood sugar and uric acid, potentially worsening diabetes or gout, and it often causes flushing mediated by prostaglandins. Proper supervision also helps manage formulation choices (immediate- vs extended-release) and monitor for interactions with other lipid medications. This isn’t a diuretic, and it’s not strictly prescription-only, so the statement about OTC availability with supervision best fits.