Products
Laropiprant was included in Tredaptive in combination with nicotinic acid. The drug was approved in many countries in 2009 and was withdrawn from the market in late January 2013 see under Nicotinic Acid.
Structure and properties
Laropiprant (C21H19ClFNO4S, Mr = 435.9 g/mol)
Effects
During therapy with the lipid-lowering drug nicotinic acid (niacin), a flush, i.e., a feeling of warmth of the skin with redness and itching, frequently occurs. This adverse effect is caused by prostaglandin D2, which is produced by binding to the PGD2 receptor-1 causes vasodilatation in the skin. Laropiprant blocks the binding of prostaglandin D2 to its receptor and reduces the frequency and intensity of the adverse effect.
Indications
Laropiprant has been used exclusively in combination with nicotinic acid for dyslipidemia.
