To the Editor.—
Clofibrate (Atromid-S) is a widely used agent for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Adverse effects are numerous, including weight gain, polyphagia, fatigue, malaise, headache, blood disorders, skin disorders, myalgia, arthralgia, gastrointestinal abnormalities (including nausea, diarrhea, abdominal upset, gallstones), hepatic abnormalities, and cardiovascular abnormalities.This case illustrates another adverse side effect of the drug—eosinophilic pneumonia.
Report of a Case.—
A man aged 73 years had an 18-month history of hypercholesterolemia treated with clofibrate.In October 1976 the patient was seen with an eight-week history of gradually increasing dyspnea on exertion, a cough that was usually nonproductive though sometimes productive of a mucoid sputum, and loss of energy. At the time of initial examination the patient was found to be mildly dyspneic and tachycardic, with moist inspiratory rales present at both lung bases. A chest roentgenogram showed extensive pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary functions subsequent to hospitalization for evaluation of this patient's