Gemfibrozil

Hypolipidaemic/Anti-atheroma · Fibric acid

Indications

Primary prevention of coronary heart disease in men between 40-55 years of age, with hyperlipidaemias unresponsive to diet and other appropriate measures. Type IIa, IIb, III, IV and V hyperlipidaemias resistant to diet.

Dosage

Adults: 600 mg twice daily, max 1500 mg daily. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

GI upset, skin rashes, impotence, headache, dizziness, painful extremities, myalgia, blurred vision, eczema, vertigo, fatigue. Myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, cholelithiasis; discontinue. Reports of myelosuppression.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Hepatic dysfunction, gallstones, alcoholism, severe renal impairment. Precautions: Perform lipid profile, blood count and liver function tests before treatment. Check blood counts every 2 months during first 12 months of treatment. Monitor serum lipids periodically. Check eyes annually. Discontinue if persistent liver function abnormality occurs. Mild to moderate renal impairment. Control hypothyroidism and diabetes. Risk factors for myopathy/rhabdomyolysis; monitor creatine kinase and discontinue if >5 × ULN.

Interactions

Anticoagulants, repaglinide or other hypoglycaemics, dasabuvir, statins, bexarotene, ion exchange resins, paclitaxel, colchicine, protein-bound drugs, substrates of CYP2C8/9/10, CYP1A2, OATP1B1 and UGTA1/3 enzymes.

Advice to Patient

Take 30 minutes before meals. If abdominal discomfort occurs, take with milk or meals. Take missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not double the dose. Contact prescriber if there is fever, chills, cough, severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, lower back pain, constant diarrhoea, difficulty in urination or vision changes. Do regular exercise, avoid alcohol and smoking during therapy. Have laboratory tests done, as directed by prescriber to check drug's effectiveness. Keep scheduled appointments with prescriber to check progress.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: May require several days. Absorption: Well absorbed. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: 1.5 hrs. Time to peak, serum: 1-2 hrs. Excretion: Urine (approx. 70%). Faeces (6%).

Brands with this active ingredient

• Gempid
• Lopid

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

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.