Gemfibrozil is indicated for the following conditions-

• Primary hyperlipidemia
• Prevention of coronary heart diseases

Hyperlipidemia

Coronary Heart Disease

The recommended dose for adults is 1200 mg administered in two divided doses 30 minutes before the morning and evening meal.

Side effects associated with Gemfibrozil are-

• Vertigo/ Dizziness
• Headache
• Gastrointestinal disturbances (Nausea, Diarrhea)
• Dyspepsia
• Rash
• Eczema
• Abdominal pain
• Asthenia

Dyspepsia	Rash	Dizziness
Eczema	Asthenia	Headache

• Laboratory studies should be done to ascertain that the lipid levels are consistently abnormal. Before instituting Gemfibrozil therapy, every attempt should be made to control serum lipids with appropriate diet, exercise, weight loss in obese patients, and control of any medical problems such as diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism that are contributing to the lipid abnormalities.
• The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased with combined gemfibrozil and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor therapy.
• Caution should be exercised when anticoagulants are given in conjunction with Gemfibrozil. The dosage of the anticoagulant should be reduced to maintain the prothrombin time at the desired level to prevent bleeding complications. Frequent prothrombin determinations are advisable until it has been definitely determined that the prothrombin level has stabilized.