atorvastatin + niacin

**Atorvastatin + niacin** is a combination of two lipid-lowering agents: atorvastatin, a statin that inhibits HMG-CoA reductase to reduce cholesterol synthesis, and niacin (nicotinic acid, vitamin B3), which lowers LDL and triglycerides while raising HDL through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of hepatic diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 and reduced hepatic VLDL synthesis. This combination aims to target multiple lipid fractions to manage complex dyslipidemias and residual cardiovascular risk not addressed by statin monotherapy[2][3][6]. While combination therapy may offer improved lipid profile normalization, the additive effect does not always translate into better cardiovascular outcomes, and use carries increased risk of adverse effects such as hepatic toxicity and myopathy[2][3][8]. The combination is not formulated under a single proprietary brand (unlike simvastatin/niacin [Simcor] or lovastatin/niacin [Advicor]), but is sometimes prescribed off-label or compounded[3][6][8]. Recent data and regulatory reviews have cast doubt on the long-term benefits of niacin-statin combinations versus statin alone regarding major cardiovascular outcomes, while raising concerns about side effects[6].

Other names

atorvastatin + niacin ERatorvastatin + extended-release niacin