Long-term reduction of serum cholesterol levels of patients with atherosclerosis by small doses of neomycin.

The effect and tolerance of lonig-term oral administration of small doses of neomvcin as a serum cholesterol reducing agent has been investigated. Sixteen patients were given neomycin sulfate orally for periods varying from 12 to 40.1 months, following control periods of 2.6 to 14.6 months. After an initial daily dose of 2 g of neomycin, the daily dose was varied between 0.5 and 2 g according to response. Average total serum cholesterol concentration.s decreased in each of the 16 patients by 15 to 32%; the average decrease for the group was 22%. The difference was statistically significant in each patienit at the 0.1% level. Serum cholesterol concentrations were maintained at the lower plateau as long as the drug was given. In an additional patient, after administration of neomycin for 2 months there was no change in serum cholesterol concentrations and the study was discontinued. Another developed severe diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps during the first week of the study, so that medication was interrupted. No other serious side effects occurred. During the first 2 weeks of medication eight of the 16 patients experienced mild diarrhea or abdominal cramps or both which subsided spontaneously during continued medication. Physical examinations were carried out. kidney and liver functions remained normal, and pathogens were not grown from stool