Abstract: A compound having the structural formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 carbalkoxyalkyl or phenyl substituted with C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl or halogen; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl; and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are the same or different and are hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkoxy or halogen with the provisos that if R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are hydrogen, then R.sup.1 is not methyl, n-propyl or phenyl substituted with methyl in the ortho or para position; if R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are hydrogen then R.sup.4 is not hydrogen, methyl or methoxy; and if R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are both n-propyl or n-butyl then R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are not both hydrogen. These compounds demonstrate utility as hypolipidemic agents.

Abstract: A process for controlling hyperlipidemia in mammals is disclosed. In this process a hyperlipidemia controlling effective amount of a compound having structural formula: ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is hydrogen, oxo, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkanoyl; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or oxo; and R.sup.3 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkanoyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 carboxyalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or phenyl substituted with C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkanoyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxy or halo is applied to mammals. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the above class of compounds having the meanings given herein and a pharmaceutical carrier therefor is also taught.

Abstract: The invention concerns cyclic imides, diones, reduced diones and analogs thereof which are useful as antihyperlipidemic agents to reduce serum cholesterol and trigylcerides.