LOPID® (gemfibrozil tablets, USP) is a lipid regulating agent. It is available as tablets for oral administration. Each tablet contains 600 mg gemfibrozil. Each also contains calcium stearate, NF; candelilla wax, FCC; microcrystalline cellulose, NF; hydroxypropyl cellulose, NF; hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, USP; methylparaben, NF; Opaspray white; polyethylene glycol, NF; polysorbate 80, NF; propylparaben, NF; colloidal silicon dioxide, NF; pregelatinized starch, NF. The chemical name is 5-(2,5-dimethylphenoxy)-2,2-dimethylpentanoic acid, with the following structural formula:
The empirical formula is C15H22O3 and the molecular weight is 250.35; the solubility in water and acid is 0.0019% and in dilute base it is greater than 1%. The melting point is 58° -61° C. Gemfibrozil is a white solid which is stable under ordinary conditions.
Therapeutic effects
* Reduce triglyceride levels
* 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 gallstones
* Hypokalemia
Contraindications and Precautions
* Gemfibrozil should not be given to these patients:
o Hepatic dysfunction
o Renal dysfunction
* Gemfibrozil should be used with caution in these higher risk categories:
o Biliary tract disease
o pregnant women
o obese patients
o Native Americans