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gemfibrozil
Apo-Gemfibrozil†, Lopid

Pregnancy Risk Category C

How supplied
Tablets:
600 mg
Capsules:
300 mg

Action
Inhibits peripheral lipolysis and reduces triglyceride synthesis in the liver. It lowers serum triglyceride levels and increases high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

Indications & dosage
Types IV and V hyperlipidemia unresponsive to diet and other drugs, reduction of risk of coronary heart disease in patients with type IIb hyperlipidemia who cannot tolerate or who are refractory to treatment with bile-acid sequestrants or niacin
--
Adults:
1,200 mg P.O. daily in two divided doses, 30 minutes before morning and evening meals.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
headache, fatigue, vertigo.
CV:
atrial fibrillation.
GI:
abdominal and epigastric pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, constipation, acute appendicitis.
Hematologic:
anemia, leukopenia, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia.
Hepatic:
bile duct obstruction, elevated liver enzymes.
Metabolic:
hypokalemia.
Skin:
rash, dermatitis, pruritus, eczema.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
Lovastatin: myopathy with rhabdomyolysis has been reported. Don't use together.
Oral anticoagulants:
gemfibrozil may enhance the clinical effects of oral anticoagulants. Monitor closely.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug and in those with hepatic or severe renal dysfunction (including primary biliary cirrhosis) or preexisting gallbladder disease.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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