Narrow Your Choices
GEMFIBROZIL
Gemfibrozil is a drug used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol. Other drugs, especially members of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor drug family, are more commonly used.
Safetychecker Summary
for Gemfibrozil
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 May be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Coenzyme Q10* Vitamin E* |
| May be Beneficial: Supportive
interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication
work better. |
Vitamin B3 (niacin) |
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. |
Red yeast rice* |
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability |
None known |
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Coenzyme
Q10
In a randomized study of 21 men with combined hyperlipidemia, ten to twelve weeks of
gemfibrozil therapy reduced coenzyme Q10 blood levels to the levels seen in healthy
men.1 The clinical significance of this finding is unknown.
Vitamin
E
In a randomized study of 21 men with combined hyperlipidemia, ten to twelve weeks of
gemfibrozil therapy reduced alpha- and gamma-tocopherol blood levels to the levels seen in
healthy men.2 The clinical significance of this finding is unknown and may reflect
a normal physiological response to a reduction in serum cholesterol levels.
Vitamin B3
(Niacin)
Niacin (not niacinamide) and gemfibrozil have successfully raised HDL (good) cholesterol
levels, both alone and in combination.3
Interactions with Herbs
Red yeast
rice (Monascus purpureus)
Monascus purpureus, a form of red yeast, is fermented with rice to produce a dietary
supplement, Cholestin®, that contains low levels of lovastatin, a drug otherwise available only by
prescription. Gemfibrozil taken with the prescription drug lovastatin has been reported to
cause rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening muscle disease.4 People taking
gemfibrozil should avoid lovastatin-containing products, including Cholestin®, until more
is known. The levels of lovastatin in Cholestin® are significantly lower than those given
of the drug as a single agent. Cholestin® also contains numerous other compounds that may
alter the interaction of lovastatin and gemfibrozil.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Gemfibrozil should be taken 30 minutes before meals.5
Alcohol
Gemfibrozil may cause dizziness or blurred vision.6 Alcohol may intensify these
effects, increasing the risk for accidental injury. People taking gemfibrozil should avoid
alcohol.
References:
1. Aberg F, Appelkvist EL, Broijersen A, et al. Gemfibrozil-induced decrease in serum ubiquinone and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol levels in men with combined hyperlipidaemia. Eur J Clin Invest 1998;28:235–42.
2. Aberg F, Appelkvist EL, Broijersen A, et al. Gemfibrozil-induced decrease in serum ubiquinone and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol levels in men with combined hyperlipidaemia. Eur J Clin Invest 1998;28:235–42.
3. Zema MJ. Gemfibrozil, nicotinic acid and combination therapy in patients with isolated hypoalphalipoproteinemia: a randomized, open-label, crossover study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2000;35:640–6.
4. Garnett WR. Interactions with hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1995;52:1639–45 [review].
5. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Gemfibrozil. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO, Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 172h–2j.
6. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Gemfibrozil. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 172h–2j.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article.
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of Safetychecker.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.
Your Recent History
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Call us M-F 9am-5pm: 212-279-0552
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Information about each product is taken from the labels of the products or from the manufacturer's advertising material. MotherNature is not responsible for any statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.All discounts are taken from suggested retail prices. Prices are subject to change.
Please see our Terms of Use
Copyright © 1995-2012 MotherNature All rights reserved.