Probucol (Probucol)
Overview of Probucol
Probucol is an antihyperlipidimic agent, used in the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia. Chemically Probucol is identified as acetone bis (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) mercaptole, a substituted bis-phenol structurally unrelated to other currently available antihyperlipidemic agents. It exerts its lipid-lowering action mainly on cholesterol, with relatively little effect on triglycerides. It inhibits the transport of cholesterol from the intestine and may interfere with the conversion of acetate to mevalonic acid, an early stage in cholesterol synthesis, but does not affect the later stages of cholesterol synthesis. It may also increase the fecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acids via the bile. it was approved by the FDA in 1977.
Indication of Probucol
Probucol is primarily indicated in conditions like Hypercholesterolaemia.
Contraindication of Probucol
Probucol is contraindicated in conditions like Cardiac arrhythmia,Diarrhoea.
Side Effects of Probucol
Probucol produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Torsades de pointes. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Probucol therapy.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Probucol are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Diarrhea.
Precautions of Probucol
Determine serum lipid level before treatment. If satisfactory lipid alteration is not achieved discontinue therapy.