Diffuse macular edema in niacin-induced maculopathy may resolve with dosage decrease.

OBJECTIVE

To report on a patient with niacin-induced cystic maculopathy that resolved with dosage decrease, not discontinuation, of niacin therapy for dyslipidemia.

METHODS

Retrospective case report. The patient was being followed for vision changes, but his niacin therapy was managed elsewhere.

RESULTS

Results of the decrease in niacin dosage show clear evidence (with optical coherence tomography) of resolution of retinal edema.

CONCLUSIONS

Our conclusion is that niacin's toxicity has a threshold, and dosage decrease below this threshold allows continuation of therapy at the lower dosage without clinically evident adverse effects on the retina.