Gemfibrozil

A to Z Drug Facts

Gemfibrozil

	Action
	Indications
	Contraindications
	Route/Dosage
	Interactions
	Lab Test Interferences
	Adverse Reactions
	Precautions
Patient Care Considerations
	Administration/Storage
	Assessment/Interventions
	Patient/Family Education

(gem-FIE-broe-ZILL)

Lopid, Apo-Gemfibrozil, Gen-Fibro, Novo-Gemfibrozil, Nu-Gemfibrozil, PMS-Gemfibrozil

Class: Antihyperlipidemic

Action Decreases blood levels of triglycerides and VLDL by decreasing their production. Also decreases cholesterol and increases HDL.

Indications Treatment of hypertriglyceridemia in adult patients with type IV or V hyperlipidemia that presents risk of pancreatitis and does not respond to diet; reduction of coronary heart disease risk in type IIb patients who have low HDL levels (in addition to elevated LDL and triglycerides) and have not responded to other measures.

Contraindications Hepatic or severe renal dysfunction, including primary biliary cirrhosis; preexisting gallbladder disease.

Route/Dosage

ADULTS: PO 600 mg bid 30 min before morning and evening meals.

Interactions

Lovastatin: Increases risk of rhabdomyolysis. Oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin): Anticoagulant effect may be increased.

Lab Test Interferences None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

CV: Atrial fibrillation. CNS: Fatigue; vertigo; headache. DERM: Eczema; rash. EENT: Blurred vision. GI: Dyspepsia; abdominal pain; diarrhea; nausea; vomiting; constipation; acute appendicitis. GU: Impotence. HEMA: Anemia; leukopenia; bone marrow hypoplasia; eosinophilia. HEPA: Elevated liver function test results; cholestatic jaundice. META: Mild hyperglycemia. OTHER: Muscle pain or weakness; myositis; rhabdomyolysis; taste perversions.

Precautions

Pregnancy: Category B. Lactation: Undetermined. Children: Safety and efficacy not established. Cholelithiasis: Drug may increase cholesterol excretion into the bile, leading to cholelithiasis.

PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS

Administration/Storage

Administer 30 min before breakfast and supper.
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

Assessment/Interventions

Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies. Note preexisting kidney, liver, or gallbladder disease, or diabetes.
Assess dietary intake of fats.
Perform periodic blood counts during first 12 mo of administration.
Obtain periodic determinations of serum lipids.
Monitor liver studies.
Assess for side effects, particularly abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Patient/Family Education

Inform patient of need to restrict dietary intake of fats; teach patient dietary restrictions to follow.
Emphasize importance of the following increased cardiac risk factors: smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise.
Instruct patient to report the followin symptoms to health care provider: abdominal pain, persistent nausea and vomiting, bleeding, and irregular heartbeat.
Advise patient that drug may cause dizziness or blurred vision and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness.