Delipid
Form: Capsule
Strength: 300mg
Generic Name: Gemfibrozil
Company: Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
MRP:৳ 7.03 (Capsule)
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Delipid is used as a treatment to lower high lipid levels, especially when combined with a healthy diet. Delipid is recommended for treating various types of high cholesterol, including type IIa, type IIb, type III, type IV, and type V hyperlipoproteinemia.
Pharmacology
Delipid is an anti-lipid medicine that helps lower triglycerides in the blood, both in healthy people and those with high triglycerides. Delipid mainly lowers very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglycerides, and to a lesser degree, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) triglycerides. Delipid can slightly decrease high-density lipoprotein (HDL) triglycerides. Delipid also increases HDL cholesterol, which can help slow down the development of heart disease.
Delipid works by reducing the production of VLDL, a type of fat carrier in the body. The exact way Delipid increases HDL is not fully known. Delipid also prevents the breakdown of fat in fat tissue and reduces the liver’s use of free fatty acids from the blood, which lowers liver triglyceride production.
Delipid is quickly absorbed by the body, with peak levels in the blood reached within 1 to 2 hours. The drug is mostly cleared from the body in the urine, with only a small amount being excreted in the stool.
Dosage & Administration
Adult & Elderly: The usual dose is 1.2 grams per day, split into 2 doses taken 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals. The dosage may range from 0.9 to 1.5 grams per day, depending on the doctor’s recommendation.
Interaction
Patients using blood thinners may need a reduced dose, and regular tests should be done to ensure the correct blood clotting level. There have been reports of severe muscle problems when Delipid is used with lovastatin, including muscle pain and breakdown, which can lead to kidney failure. In most cases where patients didn’t see improvement with either drug alone, the combination of gemfibrozil and lovastatin is not recommended due to the high risks.
Contraindications
Delipid should not be used in patients who have alcoholism, liver problems, gallstones, are pregnant, or are allergic to gemfibrozil.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are related to the digestive system, including stomach pain, indigestion, and nausea. Other possible side effects include itching, skin rashes, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, sore limbs, and in rare cases, muscle pain.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Delipid is not known if Delipid is safe to use during pregnancy. Delipid is also unclear if Delipid passes into breast milk, so Delipid should generally be avoided while pregnant or breastfeeding unless the doctor advises otherwise.
Precautions & Warnings
Before starting long-term treatment, tests should be done to check lipid levels, blood counts, kidney function, eye health, and liver function. The risks and benefits of using this medication while breastfeeding should be considered carefully.
Overdose Effects
N/A
Therapeutic Class
Dyslipidemic Agents
Storage Conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Similar Brands of Gemfibrozil (Capsule – 300mg)
| Brand Name | Form | Strength | Company | MRP (৳) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fibril | Capsule | 300mg | Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 7.0 |
| Gelicon | Capsule | 300mg | Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 7.0 |