Clofibrate used , dose, side effects & more...

 Clofibrate

Brand name:- Unknown 

Clofibrate is a fibric acid derivative used in the therapy of hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidemia. Clofibrate therapy is associated with mild and transient serum aminotransferase elevations and with rare instances of acute liver injury.

Pharmacodynamic:-

Clofibrate is an anti-lipidemic agent similar to gemfibrozil. It acts to lower elevated serum lipids by reducing the very low-density lipoprotein fraction (Sf 20-400) rich in triglycerides. Serum cholesterol may be decreased, particularly in those patients whose cholesterol elevation is due to the presence of IDL as a result of Type III hyperlipoproteinemia. Several investigators have observed in their studies that clofibrate may produce a decrease in cholesterol linoleate but an increase in palmitoleate and oleate, the latter being considered atherogenic in experimental animals. The significance of this finding is unknown at this time. Reduction of triglycerides in some patients treated with clofibrate or certain of its chemically and clinically similar analogs may be associated with an increase in LDL cholesterol. Increase in LDL cholesterol has been observed in patients whose cholesterol is initially normal. Animal studies suggest that clofibrate interrupts cholesterol biosynthesis prior to mevalonate formation.

Mechanism of action:- 

Lovastatin is metabolized into its active form beta-hydroxy acid in the stomach and functions to competitively inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. This enzyme is involved in the rate-limiting step of cholesterol synthesis. HMG-CoA inhibitors also decrease levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), improve endothelial function, reduce inflammation at coronary plaque sites, inhibit platelet aggregation, and have anticoagulant effects. Also, a decrease in serum cholesterol will stimulate LDL receptor expression on hepatocytes, further increasing LDL catabolism.

Used:-  

Used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride (fat-like substances) levels in the blood. This may help prevent medical problems caused by such substances clogging the blood vessels. Clofibrate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

SIde effects:- 

Increased liver enzymes, Nausea, Vomiting, Flatulence, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Headache, Back pain, Increased creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level in blood, Inflammation of the nose.

Dose:- AS DIRECTED BY YOUR DOCTOR.