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, whereby a majority of the nicotinic acid is release and metabolized in the individual within about 5 to about 9 hours. The present methods of treatment also contemplate administering the intermediate release nicotinic acid formulations composition according to a titrated dosage regimen to reduce flushing.