Bezafibrate

Hypolipidaemic/Anti-atheroma · Isobutyric acid derivative

Indications

Type IIa, IIb, III, IV and V hyperlipidaemias resistant to diet.

Dosage

Adults: 200 mg three times daily. Modified-release medicines: 400 mg once daily, do not give to renal impairment patients. Children: Under 10 yr, not recommended. Hyperlipidaemia including familial hypercholesterolaemia: 10-18 yr, 200 mg once daily adjusted according to response to max 200 mg 3 times daily.

Adverse Effects

GI upset, headache, dizziness, fatigue, anorexia, rash, pruritus, alopecia, impotence, anaemia and leucopenia, raised creatinine levels. Rarely, muscle cramp and weakness, cholecystitis, gallstones, pancreatitis.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Severe renal or hepatic impairment, nephrotic syndrome, dialysis, gall bladder disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, photoallergic reactions to fibrates. Predisposing factors for myopathy. Precautions: Mild to moderate renal or hepatic impairment. Monitor for signs of myopathy.

Interactions

Anticoagulants, hypoglycaemics, MAOIs, ion exchange resins, statins, oestrogens, immunosuppressants.

Advice to Patient

Take with meals.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Readily absorbed from the GI tract. Bioavailability: The relative bioavailability of bezafibrate retard compared to the standard form is about 70%. Half-life elimination: 1-2 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 2 hrs. Excretion: Urine (mostly; half as unchanged drug). Faeces (3%).

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.