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Fibrate

Gemfibrozil

Brand names: Lopid

Gemfibrozil is a fibrate used to treat hypertriglyceridaemia and mixed dyslipidaemia, particularly where triglycerides are markedly raised.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

As a PPAR-alpha agonist it enhances lipoprotein lipase activity and fatty-acid oxidation, lowering plasma triglycerides and VLDL while modestly raising HDL-cholesterol.

Prescribing in practice

  • It must not be co-administered with statins because of a substantially increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, and is contraindicated with certain other drugs such as repaglinide.
  • It is contraindicated in significant hepatic impairment, severe renal impairment and pre-existing gallbladder disease.
  • It may potentiate the effect of coumarin anticoagulants, so anticoagulation should be reviewed if used together.

Monitoring

Monitor the lipid profile for response and check liver function and creatine kinase if muscle symptoms occur.

Counselling the patient

  • Take the dose as directed, usually before food.
  • Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness promptly.
  • Report upper abdominal pain, which could indicate gallbladder problems.

Evidence & guidelines

Fibrates lower triglycerides effectively, and current prescribing references caution strongly against combining gemfibrozil with statins owing to myotoxicity.

Reference: NICE CG181; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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