Gemfibrozil
Lua error in Module:Infobox at line 314: malformed pattern (missing ']'). Gemfibrozil is the generic name for an oral drug used to lower lipid levels. It belongs to a group of drugs known as fibrates. It is most commonly sold as the brand name, Lopid. Other brand names include Jezil and Gen-Fibro.[citation needed]
Contents
Development history
Gemfibrozil was selected from a series of related compounds synthesized in the laboratories of the American company Parke Davis in the late 1970s. It came from research for compounds that lower plasma lipid levels in humans and in animals.[1]
Actions
- Is an activator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα), a nuclear receptor that is involved in metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, as well as adipose tissue differentiation. This increase in the synthesis of lipoprotein lipase thereby increases the clearance of triglycerides.[citation needed]
Therapeutic effects
- Reduce triglyceride levels [2]
- 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 gallstone
- Hypokalemia (low blood potassium)
- Increased risk of cancer
Indications
- Hyperlipidemia (Type III): Gemfibrozil is the drug of choice for therapy.
- Hypertriglyceridemia (Type IV): Gemfibrozil, though not as effective as niacin, is better tolerated.[citation needed]
Contraindications and precautions
- Gemfibrozil should not be given to these patients:[citation needed]
- Hepatic dysfunction
- Gemfibrozil should be used with caution in these higher risk categories:[citation needed]
- Biliary tract disease
- Renal dysfunction
- Pregnant women
- Obese patients
Drug interactions
- Anticoagulants: Gemfibrozil potentiates the action of warfarin and indanedione anticoagulants.[citation needed]
- Statin drugs: Concomitant administration of fibrates (including gemfibrozil) with statin drugs increases the risk of muscle cramping, myopathy, and rhabdomyolysis.[citation needed]
Environmental data
Gemfibrozil has been detected in biosolids (the solids remaining after wastewater treatment) at concentrations up to 2650 ng/g wet weight.[3] This indicates that it survives the wastewater treatment process.
References
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- DrugBank Gemfibrozil
- NIH Gemfibrozil Drug Info
- Lopid International Study
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- http://www.ihs.gov/nptc/documents/NPTC%20Lipid%20Review.pdf
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- ↑ "Gemfibrozil." WebMD.com Accessed 14 June 2014. http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-11423-gemfibrozil+oral.aspx
- ↑ http://water.epa.gov/scitech/wastetech/biosolids/tnsss-overview.cfm
