Hyperlipoproteinemias: part IV. Drug regimens

The bile acid sequestrants and nicotinic acid are the agents of first choice for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Experts disagree as to the drug of choice for hypertriglyceridemia, although both nicotinic acid and gemfibrozil are effective. For combined hyperlipoproteinemia, single drug choices include nicotinic acid, lovastatin, and gemifibrozil. Patients with hypercholesterolemia not responding to single drug therapy in conjunction with diet can be treated with a number of drug combinations.