Abstract: An orally administered antihyperlipidemia composition according to the present invention includes from about 250 to about 3000 parts by weight of nicotinic acid, and from about 5 to about 50 parts by weight of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Also, a method of treating hyperlipidemia in a hyperlipidemic having a substantially periodic physiological loss of consciousness, includes the steps of forming a composition having an effective antihyperlipidemic amount of nicotinic acid and a time release sustaining amount of a swelling agent. The method also includes the step of orally administering the composition to the hyperlipidemic once per day “nocturnally,” that is in the evening or at night.

Abstract: Intermediate release nicotinic acid formulations having unique biopharmaceutical characteristics, such as Cmax, Tmax and AUC, which are suitable for oral administration once per day during the evening or at night for treating hyperlipidemia without causing drug-induced hepatotoxicity to such a level that requires the therapy to be discontinued, are disclosed. The intermediate nicotinic acid formulations can be administered as tablets in dosage strengths of, for example, 375 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg and 1000 mg.

Abstract: This invention relates to a combination drug product comprising pioglitazone hydrochloride and a biguamide, e.g. metformin. In particular, the product comprises a core of the biguamide, e.g. metformin, at least a portion thereof has a layer or coat thereon of pioglitazone.

Abstract: A polymeric construct is disclosed. The construct comprises a polysaccharide polymer having a selected medicament associated therewith. The medicament thus present is provided in a slow release form.

Abstract: Intermediate release nicotinic acid formulations having unique biopharmaceutical characteristics, which are suitable for oral administration once per day as a single dose preferably administered during the evening or at night for treating hyperlipidemia without causing drug-induced hepatotoxicity to such a level that requires the therapy to be discontinued, are disclosed. The intermediate nicotinic acid formulations can be administered as tablets in dosage strengths of, for example, 375 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg and 1000 mg. The 375 mg, 500 mg and 750 mg nicotinic acid tablets of the present invention have a dissolution curve similarity fit factor F2 of at least about 79, and the 1000 mg nicotinic acid tablets of the present invention have a dissolution curve similarity fit factor F2 of at least 44.

Abstract: Methods for reducing flushing in individuals being treated for hyperlipidemia with nicotinic acid are disclosed. According to the methods of the present invention, flushing can be reduced in individuals under going nicotinic acid therapy without causing drug-induced hepatotoxicity to a level that would require the nicotinic acid therapy to be discontinued by orally administering to the individuals intermediate nicotinic acid formualtions having unique biopharmaceutical characteristics as a single dose once per day. While the methods of the present invention contemplate administering the intermediate release nicotinic acid formulations at any time during a 24 hour period, it is preferable to administer them once-a-day as a single dose during the evening or at night between about 6:00 pm. and 12:00 a.m., preferably between about 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m., and most preferably between about 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.