Effect of Niacin on Erectile Function in Men Suffering Erectile Dysfunction and Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia is closely related to erectile dysfunction (ED). Evidence has shown that the lipid‐lowering agent, 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statins), can improve erectile function. However, information about the potential role of another class of lipid‐lowering agent, niacin, is unknown. To assess the effect of niacin alone on erectile function in patients suffering from both ED and dyslipidemia. A single center prospective randomized placebo‐controlled parallel‐group trial was conducted. One hundred sixty male patients with ED and dyslipidemia were randomized in a one‐to‐one ratio to receive up to 1,500 mg oral niacin daily or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the improvement in erectile function as assessed by question 3 and question 4 of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF Q3 and Q4). Secondary outcome measurements included the total IIEF score, IIEF‐erectile function domain, and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score. From the overall analysis, the niacin group showed a significant increase in both IIEF‐Q3 scores (0.53 ± 1.18, P