Suppression of Niacin‐induced Vasodilation with an Antagonist to Prostaglandin D2 Receptor Subtype 1

• Published in: Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics 2007-06, Vol.81 (6), p.849-857
• Main Authors: Lai, E, De Lepeleire, I, Crumley, T M, Liu, F, Wenning, L A, Michiels, N, Vets, E, O'Neill, G, Wagner, J A, Gottesdiener, K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aspirin - pharmacology; Biological and medical sciences; Cross-Over Studies; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Humans; Indoles - administration & dosage; Indoles - adverse effects; Indoles - therapeutic use; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Niacin - administration & dosage; Niacin - adverse effects; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Receptors, Immunologic - antagonists & inhibitors; Receptors, Prostaglandin - antagonists & inhibitors; Regional Blood Flow; Skin - blood supply; Vasodilation - drug effects; Vasodilator Agents - administration & dosage; Vasodilator Agents - adverse effects
• ISSN: 0009-9236; 1532-6535
• DOI: 10.1038/sj.clpt.6100180

Niacin (nicotinic acid) reduces cardiovascular events in patients with dyslipidemia. However, symptoms associated with niacin‐induced vasodilation (e.g., flushing) have limited its use. Laropiprant is a selective antagonist of the prostaglandin D2 receptor subtype 1 (DP1), which may mediate niacin‐induced vasodilation. The aim of this proof‐of‐concept study was to evaluate the effects of laropiprant (vs placebo) on niacin‐induced cutaneous vasodilation. Coadministration of laropiprant 30, 100, and 300 mg with extended‐release (ER) niacin significantly lowered flushing symptom scores (by approximately 50% or more) and also significantly reduced malar skin blood flow measured by laser Doppler perfusion imaging. Laropiprant was effective after multiple doses in reducing symptoms of flushing and attenuating the increased malar skin blood flow induced by ER niacin. In conclusion, the DP1 receptor antagonist laropiprant was effective in suppressing both subjective and objective manifestations of niacin‐induced vasodilation. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2007) 81, 849–857. doi:10.1038/sj.clpt.6100180; published online 28 March 2007 TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov on 9/19/2007 (NCT00533312).