Nicotinic acid is available OTC but should be used with medical supervision.

• A. OTC but should be used with medical supervision
• B. Prescription only
• C. Not used in hyperlipidemia
• D. Used as diuretic

Answer: (A)

Nicotinic acid (niacin) is used to treat hyperlipidemia by lowering triglycerides and raising HDL, but high-dose lipid therapy carries notable safety risks. It’s available OTC in lower-dose forms, yet when used for lipid management, it requires medical supervision to monitor for liver toxicity, glucose intolerance, and hyperuricemia, as well as to manage flushing and potential drug interactions with other lipid meds. This is why the statement that it’s OTC but should be used under medical supervision is the best answer: you can buy it OTC, but responsible use for cholesterol treatment hinges on clinician oversight. It’s not strictly prescription-only, it’s not used as a diuretic, and it is indeed used in hyperlipidemia.