Alterations of plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels associated with consumption of selected medications. The Lipid Research Clinics Program Prevalence Study.

From the 10 North American study populations of the Lipid Research Clinics Program, mean levels of plasma high-density (HDL) cholesterol were contrasted between users of eight categories of prescribed medications and a control group of nonusers of those categories matched for age, sex, study population and ponderosity. Women taking propranolol had a mean HDL cholesterol level 12 mg/dl lower than nonusers (p < 0.05). Men taking phenytoin had a mean HDL cholesterol level more than 18 mg/dl higher than nonusers (p < 0.05). Men taking benzodiazepine derivatives had a mean HDL cholesterol level 3.3 mg/dl lower than nonusers (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between users and nonusers of thiazide diuretics, chlorthalidone, barbiturates, sympathomimetics or antihistamines.