Phytosterols (Bayer Heart Health Advantage, benecol margarine, cholestatin, stigmasterol): Dosing and Uses

Suggested dosing of Bayer Heart Health Advantage, benecol margarine (phytosterols)

Hypercholesterolemia

1200 mg/day PO capsules

1-2 Tbs 1-3 times daily as functional foods (margarine, salad dressing)

Bayer Heart Health Advantage

• 12 years or older: 400 mg PO BID with meals

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

60 -130 mg/day PO divided BID/TID of beta-sitosteroL

Suggested uses of Bayer Heart Health Advantage, benecol margarine (phytosterols)

Hypercholesterolemia, Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Efficacy

Proven effective in lowering LDL in conjunction with diet & exercise

Improves urinary symptoms with BPH

Bayer Heart Health Advantage, benecol margarine (phytosterols) adverse (side) effects

Frequency not defined

Xanthomatosis

Atherosclerosis in patients with sitosterolemia (very rare)

Warnings

Contraindications

N/A

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: N/A

Lactation: N/A

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Pharmacology of Bayer Heart Health Advantage, benecol margarine (phytosterols)

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

Mechanism of action

Plant-derived sterols; decr cholesterol absorption from small intestine