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Indications

Ciprofibrate is used in adults, together with a low fat diet and other lifestyle changes, to treat high blood lipids. It is mainly used for high triglycerides (a type of blood fat), and for mixed high cholesterol and triglycerides when statins are not suitable or not enough.

How It Works

Ciprofibrate belongs to a group called fibrates. It switches on a receptor in the liver called PPAR alpha, which increases the breakdown of fats. This lowers triglycerides strongly, lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol to a lesser degree, and raises HDL (good) cholesterol.

Dosage and Administration

The usual adult dose is 100 mg once a day by mouth. Do not take more than 100 mg a day, because higher doses raise the risk of muscle damage. In people with moderate kidney problems the doctor may advise 100 mg every other day. Keep following your diet. Your doctor will check your blood fats after some weeks.

Interactions

• Other fibrates must not be taken at the same time.
• Statins taken with it increase the risk of serious muscle damage; use together only under close medical supervision.
• It increases the effect of blood thinners such as Warfarin; the dose may need lowering and INR should be checked.
• It may change blood sugar control with diabetes tablets.
• Oestrogen containing medicines may raise blood lipids and reduce its benefit.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Ciprofibrate or other fibrates.
• Severe liver or kidney disease.
• Gallbladder disease or gallstones.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Use with another fibrate.

Side Effects

Common side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, stomach upset, diarrhoea, tiredness and skin rash. Muscle aches or weakness can occur and may rarely be a sign of muscle breakdown. Gallstones, changes in liver tests, hair loss and impotence have been reported less often.

Get urgent medical help if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially with fever or dark urine; severe stomach pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Ciprofibrate should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking it, stop and speak to your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

• Your doctor will check liver tests and may check a muscle enzyme (CK) before and during treatment.
• Take care if you have kidney problems, an underactive thyroid, heavy alcohol use or a personal or family history of muscle disease.
• If blood lipids do not improve after 3 to 6 months, the doctor may change treatment.

Overdose

There is little information on overdose. If too much is taken, contact a doctor or hospital. Treatment is supportive, with checks for muscle damage.

Therapeutic Class

Lipid lowering medicine; fibrate.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.