indication

Used to lower LDL and HDL cholesterol.

pharmacology

Probucol lowers the level of cholesterol in the bloodstream by increasing the rate of LDL catabolism. Additionally, probucol may inhibit cholesterol synthesis and delay cholesterol absorption. Probucol is a powerful antioxidant drug normally used to prevent vascular disease caused by the free radicals in the body.

mechanism of action

Probucol lowers serum cholesterol by increasing the fractional rate of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) catabolism in the final metabolic pathway for cholesterol elimination from the body. Additionally, probucol may inhibit early stages of cholesterol biosynthesis and slightly inhibit dietary cholesterol absorption. Recent information suggests that probucol may inhibit the oxidation and tissue deposition of LDL cholesterol, thereby inhibiting atherogenesis. It appears to inhibits ABCA1-mediated cellular lipid efflux.

absorption

Absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is limited and variable (about 7%).

half life

Ranges from 12 hours to more than 500 hours, the longest half-life probably being in adipose tissue.

drug interactions

Artemether: Additive QTc-prolongation may occur. Concomitant therapy should be avoided.

Cyclosporine: Probucol decreases the effect of cyclosporine

Lumefantrine: Additive QTc-prolongation may occur. Concomitant therapy should be avoided.

Tacrolimus: Additive QTc-prolongation may occur increasing the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmias. Concomitant therapy should be used with caution.

Thiothixene: May cause additive QTc-prolonging effects. Increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Consider alternate therapy. Thorough risk:benefit assessment is required prior to co-administration.

Toremifene: Additive QTc-prolongation may occur, increasing the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmias. Consider alternate therapy. A thorough risk:benefit assessment is required prior to co-administration.

Trimipramine: Additive QTc-prolongation may occur, increasing the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmias. Concomitant therapy should be used with caution.

Voriconazole: Additive QTc prolongation may occur. Consider alternate therapy or monitor for QTc prolongation as this can lead to Torsade de Pointes (TdP).

Vorinostat: Additive QTc prolongation may occur. Consider alternate therapy or monitor for QTc prolongation as this can lead to Torsade de Pointes (TdP).

Ziprasidone: Additive QTc-prolonging effects may increase the risk of severe arrhythmias. Concomitant therapy is contraindicated.

Zuclopenthixol: Additive QTc prolongation may occur. Consider alternate therapy or use caution and monitor for QTc prolongation as this can lead to Torsade de Pointes (TdP).