Treatment of patients with elevated plasma levels of low-density lipoproteins with a cholestyramine tablet compared with cholestyramine powder

A primary elevation of plasma low-density lipoproteins (LDL) is a common cause of coronary artery disease. Cholestyramine powder is often used to treat such patients, but compliance can be less than optimal. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of a wax-coated tablet form of cholestyramine resin (1 gm per tablet). Ninety-six male and female subjects with total and LDL cholesterol concentrations above the 90th percentile, after an American Heart Association step I diet, were randomized to receive either the tablet or powder formation (dose of 16 gm per day). Forty-three subjects in each group completed a minimum of 6 weeks of treatment. Similar reductions in total (20% powder, 21% tablet) and LDL cholesterol (29% powder, 31% tablet) concentrations occurred in each group. Compliance in the two groups was identical (91% powder, 92% tablet). Gastrointestinal side effects were reported by 97% of the subjects from both groups. The cholestyramine tablet was as effective as cholestyramine powder in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and can provide an alternate and more convenient dosage form.