What treatment for hypercholesterolemia is associated with flushing and pruritus?

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is known to be associated with flushing and pruritus when used as a treatment for hypercholesterolemia. These side effects occur because niacin causes vasodilation and increases blood flow to the skin, leading to the characteristic flushing sensation. The pruritus, or itching, may also stem from similar mechanisms related to increased blood flow or histamine release.

When used at pharmacologic doses, niacin effectively lowers triglycerides and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, making it beneficial in managing lipid profiles. However, patients often experience discomfort from flushing, which is significant enough that it's a commonly cited side effect during treatment regimens.

Other treatments for hypercholesterolemia, such as statins, fibrates, and omega-3 fatty acids, do not typically induce flushing to the same extent or mechanism as niacin. Statins primarily lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and have different side effects, such as muscle pain or liver enzyme elevation. Fibrates are similar to statins but are primarily aimed at reducing triglyceride levels and have their own set of side effects, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal system or causing myopathy when used with stat