Probucol adverse effects

The adverse effects of probucol have been reviewed (1). As the Probucol Quantitative Regression Swedish Trial (PQRST) showed no improvement in lumen volume of the femoral artery in patients given probucol plus coles-tyramine, as compared with those given colestyramine alone, doubt has been raised about its efficacy (2). 

According to long-term studies covering 7-9 years, probucol seems to be well tolerated with a reasonably low incidence of adverse effects. All the documented adverse effects were concentrated in the gastrointestinal tract. The incidence of diarrhea fell from 19% in the first year to 5% in the next. Only in some 3% of cases do symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal pain lead to withdrawal of treatment. Diarrhea and flatulence, which resolve after a few months, are common. 

---