[Clinical effects and tolerance of etofylline clofibrate]

The efficacy of 1-(theophyllin-7-yl)-ethyl-2-[2-(p-chlorophenoxy)-2-methylpropionate] (etofylline clofibrate, Duolip) was investigated in 47 hyperlipidaemic patients of type II--V in an open within-patient study. All patients were dietary adapted before the preliminary wash-out period of 4 weeks and received etofylline clofibrate in a dosage of 500 mg/day (2x1 capsule) over 4 weeks, and 750 mg/day (3 x 1 capsule) over further 4 months. Depending on type reductions of cholesterol between 15 and 23% and of triglycerides between 24 and 52% were achieved. The total lipids were reduced, too, between 14 and 31%. Except for type IIb, all reductions were statistically significant. The rate of responders was between 47 and 80%. The higher dose (750 mg) only affected the cases of type III and IV, in which a higher rate of responders was found coinciding with more pronounced lipid level reductions. However, the influence of the treatment duration on this increased activity may play an important role. Etofylline clofibrate did not show any side effects and was well tolerated. This clinical finding coinciding with the results of the preceding pilot study on the human tolerability in 10 volunteers. From all parameters tested only GPT and cholesterol showed significant alterations (reduction).