Abiblo Pharmacology - Gemfibrozil

Gemfibrozil
Gemfibrozil is useful in treating patient with low high density lipoprotein, mixed cases of dyslipidemia ( increase in both plasma triglycerides and increase in cholesterol) and prevention of atheroma. 

Gemfibrozil is a lipid lowering fibrates which increase the low density lipoprotein - cholesterol uptake by the low density lipoprotein - cholesterol receptors. Gemfibrozil will increase the transcription of the gene encoding for the apoprotein apoA1 and apoprotein apoA5 as well as for the lipoprotein lipase.  Generally gemfibrozil may lead to slight increase in the high density lipoprotein, moderate decrease in low density lipoprotein with marked decreased in plasma very low density lipoprotein. 

Gemfibrozil is given orally and gemfibrozil will be excreted via the kidney by metabolizing to glucuronide conjugates. Gemfibrozil should be avoided to be used with statin as it may lead to severe myositis. The common side effect may include gallstones formation, rashes and gastrointestinal discomfort.