Which medication is often associated with gastrointestinal symptoms as a common side effect?

Niacin is commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms as a side effect primarily due to its mechanism of action and pharmacological effects within the body. When niacin is administered, it can cause flushing, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort such as diarrhea or abdominal pain. This occurs because niacin affects vasodilation and can stimulate the release of gastrointestinal hormones, which may lead to increased gastric motility and discomfort.

In contrast, while bile acid sequestrants can cause gastrointestinal issues like bloating and constipation, and statins can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal disturbances, these are not as frequently reported compared to niacin. Fibrates also have a lower incidence of gastrointestinal side effects relative to niacin. Therefore, when focusing specifically on the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms as a side effect, niacin stands out as the medication most commonly associated with this issue.