Gemfibrozil Pharmacology

Gemfibrozil

About Gemfibrozil

Fibric Acid Derivative, Antilipemic agent.

Mechanism of Action of Gemfibrozil

The drug lowers circulating triglyceride levels by activating lipoprotein lipase which is a key enzyme in the degradation of VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) cholesterol. This effect is exerted through paroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) which enhances lipoprotein lipase synthesis and fatty acid oxidation. It also reduces hepatic triglyceride synthesis. It also reduces VLDL secretion by liver and increases HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol. The increase in HDL cholesterol is partly due to transfer of surface lipid components from catabolised VLDL to HDL and also due to increased production of HDL apoproteins by liver. The small dense LDL have been shifted to larger less dense particles. It is highly effective in type III hyperlipoproteinemia and lowers raised blood cholesterol. It also exerts antiatherosclerotic effect by promoting fibrinolysis; by decreasing the level of clotting factor VII-phospholipid complex.

Pharmacokinets of Gemfibrozil

Absorption: Well absorbed orally
Distribution: Widely distributed in a protein bound form.
Metabolism: Metabolized by glucuronide conjugation in liver.
Excretion: Excreted mainly through urine and a small portion is excreted through faeces.

Onset of Action for Gemfibrozil

2 to 5 days

Duration of Action for Gemfibrozil

N/A

Half Life of Gemfibrozil

90 minutes

Side Effects of Gemfibrozil

1. Abdominal discomfort
2. Epigastric pain
3. Loose motions
4. Nausea
5. Vomiting
6. Diarrhoea
7. Dyspepsia
8. Impotence
9. Acute appendicitis
10. Bile duct obstruction
11. Elevated liver enzymes
12. Headache
13. Fatigue
14. Vertigo
15. Blurred vision
16. Myositis
17. Atrial fibrillation
18. Leucopenia
19. Thrombocytopenia
20. Hypokalaemia
21. Alopecia
22. Rash
23. Dermatitis
24. Pruritus

Contra-indications of Gemfibrozil

1. Hypersensitivity to the drug
2. Severe hepatic impairment
3. Severe renal impairment
4. Gall bladder disease
5. Type-1 hyperlipoproteinemia

Special Precautions while taking Gemfibrozil

1. Monitor lipid profile, blood count, and hepatic function before and periodically during therapy.
2. If response is inadequate after 3 months therapy.

Pregnancy Related Information

Contraindicated

Old Age Related Information

Use with caution

Breast Feeding Related Information

Contraindicated

Children Related Information

Contraindicated

Indications for Gemfibrozil

1. Hyper lipidaemia
2. Lipoprotein abnormalities and hypercholesterolemia unresponsive to diet alone.

Interactions for Gemfibrozil

Oral anticoagulants: Efficacy of oral anticoagulants enhanced requiring adjustment in their dosage.
Lovastatin: Rhabdomyolysis (myositis) has occured as early as three weeks after combined therapy.

Typical Dosage for Gemfibrozil

Oral: 1.2g/day as two divided doses 30minutes before morning and evening meals
Or 900mg once daily; 30minutes before evening meals.
Maximum dose: 1.5gm/day

Schedule of Gemfibrozil

Storage Requirements for Gemfibrozil

Store at controlled room temperature at a range of 15 to 25 degree C. Protect from light and humidity

Effects of Missed Dosage of Gemfibrozil

Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Effects of Overdose of Gemfibrozil

Drug is removed from the body by induced emesis and gastric lavage. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.

Home Delivery for Gemfibrozil in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including gemfibrozil.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for gemfibrozil and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for gemfibrozil may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take gemfibrozil only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for gemfibrozil before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for gemfibrozil with the pharmacy.

Gemfibrozil is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for gemfibrozil might be better known than gemfibrozil itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have gemfibrozil in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for gemfibrozil.