A screening survey of dyslipoproteinemias associated with prescription drug use. The lipid research clinics program prevalence study

In 10 North American study populations, we surveyed alterations in blood cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels associated with the use of 20 categories of prescription medications. In addition, odds ratios for use of these medication categories were determined for five of the more common dyslipoproteinemias found in these populations. Increased lipid levels were found in association with use of several categories of cardiovascular drugs as well as allopurinol and warfarin. Decreased lipid levels were found in association with anti-infective agents and thyroid hormone. Few significant lipid level alterations were found with the use of antihistamines, barbiturates, analgesics, and the phenothiazines. The associations described here must be interpreted cautiously because of limitations in the study design, particularly the confounding effects of the conditions under drug treatment. However, several drug-lipid effects are suggested that may alter lipid levels and that require experimental confirmation. These findings have implications for both clinical management of individuals with dyslipoproteinemias and in the determinants and modification of population lipid levels.