Title:Oral Administration of Sustained Release Niacin Inhibits Platelet Aggregation
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Author(s): Nicholas B. Norgard, Nicholas R. Bacon and Matthew Agosti
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Niacin, pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, platelet aggregation.
Abstract: Background: Previous studies have suggested that niacin may have antiplatelet properties,
however the effects of niacin on the platelet activity are not well defined.
Objective: The purpose of this trial was to investigate whether the oral administration of niacin
inhibits platelet aggregation.
Method: This study was run in three segments measuring the inhibitory effect of niacin: 1) 3 mmol/L
niacin in vitro, 2) one hour after 1-gram sustained-release (SR) niacin administration, 3) twelve hours after 2-gram SR
niacin administration. Platelet aggregation was measured using the VerifyNow-Aspirin and whole blood impedance
aggregometry.
Results: Preincubation with niacin resulted in a significant inhibition of platelet aggregation. Significant inhibition of
platelet aggregation was found one hour following the oral administration of 1 gram of SR niacin while the oral
administration of a 2 gram dose of SR niacin did not produce significant platelet inhibition when platelet aggregation was
measured 12 hours after the dose.
Conclusion: Niacin has a small, direct effect on platelet aggregation. Niacin platelet inhibition is transient and may
dissipate as it is converted into metabolites. The clinical significance is unknown.
