GEMFIBROZIL

'Gemfibrozil' is the generic name for an oral drug used to lower lipid levels. It belongs to a group of drugs known as fibrates. It is most commonly sold as the brand name, 'Lopid'. Other brand names include 'Jezil' and 'Gen-Fibro'.

Contents

Actions

Therapeutic effects

Nontherapeutic effects and toxicities

Indications

Contraindications and Precautions

Drug Interactions

External links

Actions

★ Increases activity of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα), a receptor which is involved in metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, as well as adipose tissue differentiation. This increases synthesis of lipoprotein lipase therefore increasing clearance of triglycerides.

Therapeutic effects

★ Reduce triglyceride levels

★ Reduce Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels

★ Modest reduction of Low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels

★ Moderate increase in High density lipoprotein (HDL) levels

Nontherapeutic effects and toxicities

★ GI distress

★ Musculoskeletal pain

★ Increased incidence of gallstones

★ Hypokalemia

Indications

★ Hyperlipidemia (Type III): Gemfibrozil is the drug of choice for therapy.

★ Hypertriglyceridemia (Type IV): Gemfibrozil, though not as effective as niacin, is better tolerated.

Contraindications and Precautions

★ Gemfibrozil should not be given to these patients:

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★ Hepatic dysfunction

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★ Renal dysfunction

★ Gemfibrozil should be used with caution in these higher risk categories:

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★ Biliary tract disease

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★ pregnant women

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★ obese patients

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★ Native Americans

Drug Interactions

★ Anticoagulants. Gemfibrozil potentiates the action of coumadin and indanedione anticoagulants.

★ Lovastatin. Risk of myopathy when gemfibrozil is given to patients receiving lovastatin.

External links

★ DrugBank Gemfibrozil

★ NIH Gemfibrozil Drug Info}

★ Lopid International Study

★ Safety of Statins - Circulation. 2004;109:III-50 – III-57