Gemfibrozil (gemfibrozil)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Gemfibrozil, a fibric acid derivative, is a antilipemic agent.
USES: Gemfibrozil is used along with a proper diet to help lower fats (triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It may also help to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL). Gemfibrozil belongs to a group of drugs known as "fibrates." It works by decreasing the amount of fat produced by the liver.
Lowering triglycerides in people with very high triglyceride blood levels may decrease the risk of pancreas disease (pancreatitis). However, gemfibrozil might not lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your doctor about the risk and benefits of gemfibrozil.
In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, drinking less alcohol, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking.
Generic name: gemfibrozil
Pronunciation: (jem-FYE-broh-zill)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Gemfibrozil
Indications
The following indications are listed for Gemfibrozil:
- Hypertriglyceridemia
- Primary Prevention Of Coronary Heart Disease
Also known as: Abnormally Increased Triglycerides In The Blood, Coronary Heart Disease Primary Prophylaxis, Elevated Triglyceride Level, Increased Triglyceride Levels, Primary Prevention Of Cardiac Ischemia, Primary Prevention Of Ischemic Heart Disease, Primary Prevention Of Myocardial Infarct.
Dosing
Dosage of gemfibrozil must be carefully adjusted according to individual requirements and response. Serum lipoprotein concentrations should be determined regularly during gemfibrozil therapy. (See Cautions: Precautions and Contraindications.)
For the management of hypertriglyceridemia or other hyperlipoproteinemias+, the usual adult dosage of gemfibrozil is 600 mg twice daily. The drug should be discontinued after 3 months if serum lipoprotein concentrations do not improve substantially.
Gemfibrozil is administered orally, 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
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There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
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There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
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There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
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Gemfibrozil has been shown to produce adverse fetal and fertility effects in rats and rabbits at dosages 0.5-3 times the usual human dosage (based on surface area). There are no adequate and controlled studies using gemfibrozil in pregnant women; because the drug has been shown to be tumorigenic in some animals, gemfibrozil should be used during pregnancy only when the potential benefits clearly justify the possible risks to the woman and/or fetus. Currently, most experts recommend that hyperlipoproteinemias in pregnant women generally be managed with dietary measures; consultation with a lipid specialist may be indicated for pregnant women with severe forms of hyperlipidemia.
It is not known if gemfibrozil is distributed into milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions to gemfibrozil in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the woman.
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ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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