CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL OF A NEW BILE ACID‐SEQUESTERING RESIN, COLESTIPOL, IN THE TREATMENT OF HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA

Abstract

A clinical trial is described of a new anion‐exchange resin in the management of eight patients with hypercholesterolæmia. A dose of 5 gm three times a day produced significant falls in the plasma cholesterol level, which were unrelated to the preexisting diet and which compared favourably in magnitude with those usually attainable with a similar dose of cholestyramine. In contrast to cholestyramine, however, colestipol proved to be entirely acceptable to the patients and its use was not associated with any gastrointestinal disturbances. A further lowering of cholesterol levels could be obtained in some subjects by the addition of clofibrate. Elevations in triglyceride levels were detected in all subjects, particularly in those who were already hypertriglyceridæmic, but these could usually be prevented by the addition of clofibrate or by dietary carbohydrate restriction. Small increases in fasting blood sugar levels were also produced, and changes suggesting impaired absorption of fat‐soluble vitamins were observed. The drug would appear to be a useful addition to the range of agents at present available for treating type II hyperlipoproteinæmia (primary hypercholesterolæmia). It is suggested, however, that regular screening for metabolic disturbances related to malabsorption and impaired glucose tolerance be routinely practised in all patients receiving such resin therapy.