$Unique_ID{BRK02107}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{PROBUCOL}
$Subject{Lorelco (Merrell Dow)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


PROBUCOL
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Lorelco (Merrell Dow)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antihyperlipidemic (lipid-lowering drug)
INGREDIENT:
     probucol
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (250 mg and 500 mg)
STORAGE:
     Probucol should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
       light-resistant container.

USES

     This medication is used to treat hypercholesterolemia (high blood
cholesterol levels) in patients who have not responded to diet, weight
reduction, exercise, and control of blood sugar.  It is not clear how probucol
lowers blood cholesterol levels, but it is thought to decrease the body's own
production of cholesterol.

TREATMENT

     Probucol should be taken with meals, in order to maximize its
effectiveness.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.
     The therapeutic benefits of this medication may not become apparent for
up to three months after it is started.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, insomnia, nausea, stomach upset, or
vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision; bloody or black, tarry stools; chest pain; impotence;
palpitations; rash; ringing in the ears; sweating; tingling sensations; or
unusual bleeding or bruising.

INTERACTIONS

     The effectiveness of chenodiol, used to treat gallstone disease, may be
decreased by concurrent probucol therapy.  Before starting to take probucol,
BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking,
especially chenodiol.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to probucol.
     * Before starting this drug, tell your doctor if you now have or have
ever had biliary tract disorders, gallstones or gallbladder disease, heart
disease, or liver disease.
     * Do not stop taking this medication unless you first check with your
doctor.  Stopping the drug abruptly may lead to a rapid increase in blood
lipid (fats) and cholesterol levels.  Your doctor may, therefore, want to
start you on a special diet or another medication when probucol treatment is
stopped.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although probucol
appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not been
conducted.  If you and your doctor decide that you should stop the drug for a
planned pregnancy, some form of birth control should be used for at least six
months after probucol therapy is stopped to ensure that the drug has been
completely eliminated from the body.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether probucol passes into breast
milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
