Lopid

What is it?

A lipid lowering agent and fibrate available as white/maroon capsules containing 300mg of gemfibrozil, marked LOPID 300. Also, LOPID TABLETS, available as film- coated, white, oval tablets marked LOPID, containing 600mg of gemfibrozil.

Medical Uses

Prevention of coronary heart disease in middle-aged men (40 to 55 years) with elevated levels of blood lipids that has failed to respond to other measures, including dietary control. Hyperlipidaemias (Type IIa, IIb, III, IV and V) which have not responded to dietary control measures.

Dosage

Adults, 600mg twice each day to a daily maximum of 1500.

Special Care

Blood count, liver function and lipid profile tests before treatment and blood counts over the first year of treatment. Periodic checks on serum lipids. should be performed Drug should be stopped in cases of persistent abnormal liver function or marked persistent rise in CPK (creatine phosphokinase, an enzyme).

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, gallstones, alcoholism, liver disorder.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Colestipol, anticoagulants, statins.

Known Side Effects

Headache, dizziness, angioedema (widespreasd swelling), blurred vision, muscle pain, weakness and deterioration in muscles, cholestatic jaundice, painful extremities, pancreatitis, skin rash, sensitivity to light, impotence, gastro-intestinal upset, atrial fibrillation (heart flutter).