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Gemfibrozil in hyperlipidaemia: an open, single blind trial

P K Varthakavi1, D P Turakhia, S S Sharma

  • 1Department of Cardiology, T.N. Medical College, Bombay.

Insights

Gemfibrozil effectively lowers lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidemia, significantly reducing cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol. Further long-term studies are needed for optimal dosage and safety in Indian populations.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Hyperlipidemia, characterized by elevated blood lipid levels, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • Type IIA, IIB, and IV hyperlipidemia are common dyslipidemias requiring effective management.
  • Gemfibrozil is a lipid-regulating agent used in managing dyslipidemias.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of Gemfibrozil in improving lipid profiles of middle-aged subjects with hyperlipidemia.
  • To assess the safety and tolerability of Gemfibrozil at a dosage of 1200 mg/day.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 36 middle-aged subjects diagnosed with type IIA, IIB, or IV hyperlipidemia.
  • Administration of Gemfibrozil at a daily dose of 1200 mg for 24 weeks.
  • Monitoring of lipid parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, LDL, HDL, apolipoprotein A, and apolipoprotein B.

Main Results:

  • Gemfibrozil demonstrated significant reductions in total cholesterol (39.91%), total triglycerides (71.10%), VLDL triglycerides (62.97%), LDL cholesterol (45.57%), and apolipoprotein B (26.83%) at 24 weeks.
  • Concurrently, HDL cholesterol increased by 26.23% and apolipoprotein A levels rose by 53.67%.
  • The medication was well-tolerated, with no dropouts attributed to its use.

Conclusions:

  • Gemfibrozil is an effective agent for lowering adverse lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidemia.
  • The drug exhibited a favorable safety profile at the studied dosage.
  • Further long-term research is recommended to establish optimal dosage and long-term safety in Indian subjects.

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