Acipimox

Acipimox inhibits the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue and reduces the blood concentrations of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL or Pre-beta) and low density lipoproteins (LDL or beta) with a subsequent overall reduction in triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

Acipimox also has a favourable effect on high density lipoproteins (HDL or alpha) which increase during treatment.

Acipimox is rapidly and completely absorbed orally, reaching peak plasma levels within two hours. The half-life is about two hours. It does not bind to plasma proteins; it is not significantly metabolised and is eliminated almost completely intact by the urinary route.

Nonclinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology and repeat-dose toxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity.

There is no evidence from the animal studies that acipimox is teratogenic. However, a higher incidence of immature and underweight foetuses was seen in pregnant animals given higher doses of acipimox. This effect may be due to maternal toxicity.