Aspirin may block Niacin's uncomfortable flush, tiny study hints

NCT ID NCT01275300

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tested whether taking a low dose of aspirin (81 mg) before niacin (600 mg) could reduce the flushing reaction that niacin often causes. Nine healthy adults with high cholesterol participated, providing urine and blood samples to measure prostaglandin levels. The study was small and exploratory, aiming to understand the body's response rather than prove a treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Aspirin 81 mg and Niacin 600 mg

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help understand how to reduce the uncomfortable flushing side effect of niacin, potentially making it easier for people with high cholesterol to tolerate the medication.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study with only 9 participants, so results may not apply to the general population. It is designed to measure biological markers, not to prove any treatment benefit.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hyperlipidemia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Pennsylvania Hospital

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States