Effect of Orally and Parenterally Administered Neomycin on Plasma Lipids of Human Subjects

Abstract

Neomycin, when administered intramuscularly to human subjects at the rate of 200 mg. per day, did not influence plasma cholesterol levels. This same dose administered orally also was without influence, although in four of the six subjects fecal coliform counts were suppressed. When the amount of neomycin administered orally was increased to 2.0 gm. per day, the same four subjects had stools which were negative for coliform organisms; however, all six subjects demonstrated a highly significant decrease in plasma cholesterol levels. The 2.0 gm. per day level of neomycin also significantly depressed lipid digestibility. The data are interpreted to indicate that neomycin therapy lowers plasma cholesterol levels by interfering with normal intestinal absorption of lipids and sterols and possibly the recirculation of bile acids and that the hypocholesteremic effect of neomycin is not the result of a systemic effect.