To a group of 24 subjects with hypercholesterolaemia (hyperlipoproteinaemia type II) for a period of three months the non-absorbable resin Colestid was administered in order to reduce levels of atherogenic lipids and lipoproteins. The Colestid doses were graded from 5 g in the first month to 10-15 g during the third month. Reduction of cholesterol levels and the LDL fraction was significant already during the first month of treatment. The greatest reduction of LDL cholesterol was 25% and of total cholesterol 15%. A favourable effect was recorded also in HDL cholesterol which increased. The rise of triacylglycerols was not significant. Differences in the serum lipid response or their fractions did not depend on sex (15 women, 9 men), the clinical symptomatology (IHD) or family-history of atherosclerosis or concurrent administration of fibrates (Lipanthyl in 7 patients). In view of the small doses the symptomatology of side-effects was poor. Four patients, however, did not complete three months of treatment. With regard to the economical aspect of therapy and the favourable effect of small doses the authors draw attention to this experience which can be used as a basis also when using combinations with other preparations of antihypercholesterolemic therapy in those patients where an adequate reduction of cholesterol and its LDL fraction is not achieved.
Colestipol Female