Methods for treating hyperlipidemia with intermediate release nicotinic acid formulations having unique biopharmaceutical characteristics, without causing drug-induced hepatotoxicity to a level which would require discontinuation of the therapy, are disclosed. According to the methods of the present invention, the intermediate nicotinic acid formulations are administered as a single dose once-a-day during the evening or at night. 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 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.
