Gemfibrozil

Gemfibrozil is the generic name for an oral drug used to lower fibrates. It is most commonly sold as the brand name, Lopid. Other brand names include Jezil and Gen-Fibro.

Actions

• Increases activity 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.
• niacin, is better tolerated.

Contraindications and Precautions

• Gemfibrozil should not be given to these patients:
  • Hepatic dysfunction
  • Renal dysfunction

• Gemfibrozil should be used with caution in these higher risk categories:
  • Biliary tract disease
  • pregnant women
  • obese patients
  • 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.