Effect of clofibrate and colestipol singly and in combination on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in type III hyperlipoproteinemia

The effects of colestipol, clofibrate, and a combination of these two drugs on plasma lipid and lipoprotein values were evaluated in seven subjects with type III hyperlipoproteinemia. When compared to baseline, colestipol administration resulted in a significant decrease in LDL-cholesterol (146 v 99, P less than 0.01) and a significant increase in VLDL-triglycerides (260 v 399, P less than 0.05). The increases in total triglycerides (346 v 462, P = 0.09) and VLDL-C (117 v 155, P = 0.17) noted with colestipol were not statistically significant. Clofibrate administration increased HDL-C (37 v 46, P less than 0.05), and lowered VLDL-C (117 v 56, P less than 0.05), VLDL-triglycerides (260 v 144, P less than 0.05) and total triglycerides (346 v 218, P less than 0.01). The combined regimen was more effective than clofibrate in lowering total and LDL-cholesterol, and no other significant differences were noted.