CHOLANIC ACID AND CHOLENIC ACID COMPOSITIONS AND METHOD OF TREATMENT

1,220,793. Pharmaceutical preparations. MERCK & CO. Inc. 28 Jan., 1969 [2 Feb., 1968], No. 4625/69. Heading A5B. Pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia and hyperlipaemic comprise as active ingredient a compound having the formula: in which R represents H or OH and the dotted line in the 3-position indicates that the molecule optionally contains a double bond at any position within the carbocyclic nucleus, with the proviso that when R is OH the carbocyclic nucleus is a saturated cholane ring, or a non-toxic pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof (e.g. Na, K or Ca salt), with a solid non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier or coating, a sterile liquid carrier, a flavoured liquid carrier or an oily carrier. The active ingredient is preferably 5#- cholanic acid, #3-5#-cholenic acid, #6-5#- cholenic acid, 5α-cholanic acid or #7-5#-cholenic acid. The compositions may be administered orally or parenterally in the form of pills, lozenges, dragÚes, capsules, tablets, powders, solutions, suspensions, exlixirs or chewable tablets containing conventional excipients. The compositions may also contain a diuretic and/or an anorectic.