Reduction of Serum Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels by the Combined Administration of Neomycin and Clofibrate

The combined oral administration of neomycin (2 g daily) and clofibrate (2 g daily) reduced significantly serum cholesterol levels in 15 of 16 patients. Most of these patients had type II hypercholesterolemia and clinical evidence of arteriosclerosis. The combined regimen of the two drugs was more effective in reducing cholesterol levels in about one third of the patients than administration of either one of these drugs alone. The average decrease of serum cholesterol in these patients while on the combined regimen was 38% from the control values. Control serum triglyceride levels were normal in most patients, thus the effect of the drugs on triglycerides was moderate. No noteworthy side effects were encountered. It is felt that a trial of treatment by the combined administration of neomycin and clofibrate is justified in patients with type II hypercholesterolemia and arterioscleroisis who are resistant to other forms of treatment or to treatment by a single drug.