Effects of aspirin when added to the prostaglandin D2 receptor antagonist laropiprant on niacin-induced flushing symptoms

J Clin Pharmacol. 2009 Apr;49(4):416-22. doi: 10.1177/0091270009332246. Epub 2009 Feb 26.

Abstract

Niacin is an effective lipid-modifying therapy whose use has been limited by suboptimal tolerability. The adverse effect of flushing is due to prostaglandin D2 (PGD2)-mediated cutaneous vasodilation. Adjunctive treatment with the PGD2 receptor antagonist laropiprant significantly reduces the incidence and severity of niacin-induced flushing. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of aspirin pretreatment on flushing symptoms with extended-release (ER) niacin/laropiprant in healthy volunteers. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study compared patient-rated flushing following pretreatment with aspirin 325 mg versus placebo administered 30 minutes before ER niacin 2 g/laropiprant 40 mg. Flushing responses were assessed using participant-reported overall symptom severity score (OSSS), including individual characteristics of redness, warmth, tingling, or itching. The overall incidence and severity of flushing were comparable for participants receiving aspirin or placebo before ER niacin 2 g/laropiprant 40 mg. The difference in 3-day average OSSS between treatments was 0.2 (P=.180). Profiles of flushing severity, frequency, and bothersomeness were comparable for the aspirin/ER niacin/laropiprant and ER niacin/laropiprant regimens. All treatments were safe and well tolerated. Coadministration of aspirin 325 mg daily with ER niacin 2 g/laropiprant 40 mg does not further reduce residual flushing symptoms associated with ER niacin 2 g/laropiprant 40 mg alone.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase I
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aspirin / administration & dosage*
  • Aspirin / adverse effects
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / administration & dosage
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Interactions
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Flushing / chemically induced*
  • Flushing / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Indoles / administration & dosage*
  • Indoles / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Niacin / administration & dosage
  • Niacin / adverse effects*
  • Placebos
  • Receptors, Immunologic / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Indoles
  • MK-0524
  • Placebos
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin
  • Niacin
  • Aspirin
  • prostaglandin D2 receptor