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- $Unique_ID{BRK03303}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{probucol}
- $Subject{Lorelco Merrell Dow Antihyperlipidemic lipid-lowering drug probucol
- hypercholesterolemia high blood cholesterol decrease production}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- probucol
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)
-
- Lorelco (Merrell Dow)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Antihyperlipidemic (lipid-lowering drug)
-
- INGREDIENT
-
- probucol
-
- DOSAGE FORM
-
- Tablets (250 mg and 500 mg)
-
- STORAGE
-
- Probucol should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
- light-resistant container.
-
- USES
-
- This medication is used to treat hypercholesterolemia (high blood
- cholesterol levels) in patients who have not responded to diet, weight
- reduction, exercise, and control of blood sugar. It is not clear how probucol
- lowers blood cholesterol levels, but it is thought to decrease the body's own
- production of cholesterol.
-
- TREATMENT
-
- Probucol should be taken with meals, in order to maximize its
- effectiveness.
- If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
- possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, do not
- take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do
- not double the next dose.
- The therapeutic benefits of this medication may not become apparent for
- up to three months after you begin therapy with this drug.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, insomnia, nausea, stomach upset, or
- vomiting. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
- medication.
- If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
- sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Take special care
- when operating an automobile or potentially dangerous equipment.
-
- Major.
-
- Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
- particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- blurred vision; bloody or black, tarry stools; chest pain; impotence;
- palpitations; rash; ringing in the ears; sweating; tingling sensations; or
- unusual bleeding or bruising.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- The effectiveness of chenodiol, used to treat gallstone disease, could
- possibly be decreased by concurrent probucol therapy.
- Before starting to take probucol, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
- medications you are currently taking, especially chenodiol.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you may have had
- to any medications, especially to probucol.
- * Before starting this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if you now
- have or have ever had biliary tract disorders, gallstones or gallbladder
- disease, heart disease, or liver disease.
- * Do not stop taking this medication unless you first check with your
- doctor. Stopping the medication abruptly may lead to a rapid increase in
- blood lipid (fats) and cholesterol levels. Your doctor may want to start you
- on a special diet or another medication when probucol treatment is stopped.
- * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although probucol
- appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not been
- conducted. If you and your doctor decide that you should stop the medication
- for a planned pregnancy, some form of birth control should be used for at
- least six months after probucol therapy is stopped to ensure that the
- medication has been completely eliminated from the body. Also, tell your
- doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. It is not known whether probucol
- passes into breast milk.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-