Dose and Dosage:
- The usual dose of gemfibrozil for adults is 600 mg orally twice daily, taken 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner.
Frequency:
- Gemfibrozil is typically taken twice daily.
Route of Administration (ROA):
- Gemfibrozil is administered orally in the form of tablets.
Mechanism of Action (MOA):
- Gemfibrozil is a fibric acid derivative that works by reducing triglyceride levels and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha).
Pharmacokinetics (PK):
- Gemfibrozil is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 1 to 2 hours.
- It undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism by conjugation with glucuronic acid and subsequent renal excretion.
Pharmacodynamics (PD):
- Gemfibrozil acts on various enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, leading to decreased synthesis of triglycerides and increased clearance of VLDL particles from plasma.
Pathophysiology:
- Elevated levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL cholesterol are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and pancreatitis.
Indications:
- Gemfibrozil is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet in the treatment of adults with very high triglyceride levels (>500 mg/dL) who are at risk of developing pancreatitis and in patients with low HDL cholesterol levels who have not responded adequately to other interventions.
Contraindications:
- Gemfibrozil is contraindicated in patients with hepatic or severe renal dysfunction, including primary biliary cirrhosis.
- It should not be used in patients with preexisting gallbladder disease or in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to gemfibrozil.
Drug Interactions:
- Gemfibrozil may interact with oral anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding.
- It can also potentiate the effects of certain hypoglycemic agents, such as sulfonylureas, leading to hypoglycemia.
- Concurrent use of statins with gemfibrozil may increase the risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
Precautions:
- Gemfibrozil should be used with caution in patients with a history of gallbladder disease, renal impairment, or liver dysfunction.
- Regular monitoring of liver function tests, creatinine levels, and lipid profiles is recommended during gemfibrozil therapy.
- Patients should be advised to adhere to dietary recommendations and lifestyle modifications to optimize the lipid-lowering effects of gemfibrozil.
Medication Information and Guidelines
| Purpose: Gemfibrozil is prescribed to help lower triglyceride levels and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in individuals with very high triglycerides who are at risk of pancreatitis or with low HDL cholesterol levels who have not responded adequately to other interventions. Usage Instructions: Take gemfibrozil orally as directed by your healthcare provider, usually twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner. Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Other Uses: Gemfibrozil may also be used off-label to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in certain individuals with lipid abnormalities. Precautions: Inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially liver or kidney disease, gallbladder disease, or allergies to medications. Tell your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking gemfibrozil as it may increase the risk of liver problems. Diet Changes: Your doctor may recommend dietary changes, including a low-fat diet, while taking gemfibrozil to enhance its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels. Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. Possible Side Effects: Common side effects of gemfibrozil include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, or muscle pain. Contact your doctor if you experience severe or persistent side effects. Storage and Disposal: Store gemfibrozil tablets at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep this medication out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Overdose or Emergency Situation: In case of an overdose, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, confusion, or difficulty breathing. Keep a list of all the medications you take, and share it with your healthcare provider in case of emergencies. |
