$Unique_ID{BRK03094}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{clofibrate}
$Subject{Atromid-S Ayerst Antihyperlipidemic lipid-lowering drug clofibrate
fat lipid cholesterol blood atherosclerosis hardening arteries skin lesions
blood}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Atromid-S*0309401.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


clofibrate
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Atromid-S (Ayerst)
     clofibrate (various manufacturers)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antihyperlipidemic (lipid-lowering drug)

INGREDIENT

     clofibrate

DOSAGE FORM

     Capsules (500 mg)

STORAGE

     Clofibrate should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
light-resistant container.

USES

     Clofibrate is used to reduce fat (lipid) or cholesterol in the blood in
patients with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and in patients
having certain kinds of skin lesions caused by excessive fat levels in the
blood.  It is not clearly understood how clofibrate works, but it appears to
decrease the body's production of cholesterol and fats.
     Attempts are usually made to control serum fat levels with diet,
exercise, weight loss, or control of diabetes before therapy with this drug is
initiated.

TREATMENT

     Clofibrate should be taken with food or immediately after a meal (unless
your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal cramps, bloating, blurred vision, decreased sexual desire,
diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry and brittle hair, dry skin, fatigue, gas,
headache, increased sweating, itching, muscle cramps, nausea, sore mouth,
vomiting, weakness, or weight gain.  These side effects should disappear as
your body adjusts to the medication.
    If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
bloody or black, tarry stools; chest pain; difficult or painful urination;
impotence; loss of hair; rash; palpitations; sore joints; tremors; or unusual
bleeding or bruising.

INTERACTIONS

     Clofibrate interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. It can increase the side effects of oral anticoagulants (blood
thinners, such as warfarin) and oral antidiabetic agents.
     2. Rifampin can decrease the effectiveness of clofibrate.
     3. Probenecid and furosemide can increase the side effects of clofibrate.
     Before starting to take clofibrate, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to clofibrate.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had diabetes mellitus, gallstones, heart
disease, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach ulcers, or thyroid disease.
     * Do not stop taking this medication without first checking with your
doctor.  Stopping this medication abruptly may lead to an increase in your
blood fat levels.  Your doctor may want you to follow a special diet to
prevent this.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Clofibrate crosses
the placenta and can build up in the body of the developing fetus.  Because
clofibrate has long-term effects on the body, you should not become pregnant
for at least two months after you stop taking this drug.  Also, tell your
doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether
clofibrate passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.