fibrate - comparison with nicotinic acid with respect to lipid lowering

Last reviewed 01/2018

Lipid lowering effects of fibrates and nicotinic acid (1):

 FibrateNicotinic Acid
Total cholesterol11% reduction10% reduction
Triglycerides36% reduction 20% reduction
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol8% reduction 14% reduction
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol 10% increase16% increase

Apart from flushes in the niacin group, both fibrates and niacin were shown to be well-tolerated and safe (1).

Reference:

  1. Birjmohun RS et al. Efficacy and safety of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol-increasing compounds: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Am Coll Cardiol 2005;45:185-97.

Related pages:

fibrate

nicotinic acid and lipid lowering