Colestipol in familial type II hyperlipoproteinemia: a three-year trial.

Colestipol, a new bile acid sequestrant polymer, has been shown to lower the serum cholesterol level more than 30% in 13 patients with familial type II hyperlipoproteinemia. Placebo for 6 wk was followed by colestipol for periods up to 36 mo. A slight but not significant increase of serum triglyceride concentrations was observed during the first 18 no, but they returned to values under the baseline level thereafter. No signs of impaired intestinal fat resorption were noted. Side effects were primarily gastrointestinal (mild and transient constipation). Colestipol seems to be an effective and safe drug in the treatment of the famiial type II hyperlipoproteinemia, without escape phenonmenon.