Probucol (Lorelco) in treatment of hyperlipemia

B. F. Murphy

The chemical structure of probucol differs from that of other hypolipemic agents, and its mechanism of action is unknown. This agent lowers elevated serum cholesterol (and low-density lipoprotein) levels and appears to be effective when used as an adjunct to a low-cholesterol, low-saturated-fat diet for treatment of type IIa hyperlipoproteinimia in adults; however, it is less effective than cholestyramine resin in patients with familial type IIa disorder. Although probucol has no consistent effect on elevated triglyceride levels, it may be useful as an adjunct to other drugs that lower these concentrations in patients with types IIb, III, and IV hyperlipoproteinemia when hypercholesterolemia persists. Probucol is generally well tolerated.