"Low dose" colestipol in children, adolescents and young adults with familial hypercholesterolemia

The effect of colestipol on plasma lipids and lipoproteins was studied in children, adolescents and young adults with familial hypercholesterolemia. O.125 g or 0.25 g/kg body weight were given in randomized sequence for period of 4 weeks. Total cholesterol was lowered by 13 and 18% with the smaller and larger dose , respectively, and LDL cholesterol lowered by 15% with the smaller and 12% with the larger dose. HDL cholesterol rose by 18 an 32%. LDL composition before and during the study was abnormal due to a markedly reduced triglyceride content. "Low-dose" colestipol is less effective lowering total plasma and LDL cholesterol than conventional doses but may, due to very few side effects, by advantageously used in cases of familial hypercholesterolemia when plasma cholesterol levels after dietary management are only 15-20% above normal.