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- $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
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- 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.
-
- ----------------
-
- 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.
-