Also indexed as: Apo-Gemfibrozil, Lopid, Novo-Gemfibrozil
Gemfibrozil is a drug used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol. Other drugs, especially members of
the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor drug family, are more commonly used.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 May Be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Coenzyme Q10*
Vitamin E*
|
| May Be Beneficial: Supportive
interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication
work better. |
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
|
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. |
Red yeast rice*
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Coenzyme
Q10
In a randomized study of 21 men with combined hyperlipidemia, ten to twelve weeks of
gemfibrozil therapy reduced coenzyme Q10 blood levels to the levels seen in healthy
men.1 The clinical significance of this finding is unknown.
Vitamin
E
In a randomized study of 21 men with combined hyperlipidemia, ten to twelve weeks of
gemfibrozil therapy reduced alpha- and gamma-tocopherol blood levels to the levels seen in
healthy men.2 The clinical significance of this finding is unknown and may reflect
a normal physiological response to a reduction in serum cholesterol levels.
Vitamin B3
(Niacin)
Niacin (not niacinamide) and gemfibrozil have successfully raised HDL (good) cholesterol
levels, both alone and in combination.3
Interactions with Herbs
Red yeast
rice (Monascus purpureus)
Monascus purpureus, a form of red yeast, is fermented with rice to produce a dietary
supplement, Cholestin®, that contains low levels of lovastatin, a drug otherwise available only by
prescription. Gemfibrozil taken with the prescription drug lovastatin has been reported to
cause rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening muscle disease.4 People taking
gemfibrozil should avoid lovastatin-containing products, including Cholestin®, until more
is known. The levels of lovastatin in Cholestin® are significantly lower than those given
of the drug as a single agent. Cholestin® also contains numerous other compounds that may
alter the interaction of lovastatin and gemfibrozil.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Gemfibrozil should be taken 30 minutes before meals.5
Alcohol
Gemfibrozil may cause dizziness or blurred vision.6 Alcohol may intensify these
effects, increasing the risk for accidental injury. People taking gemfibrozil should avoid
alcohol.
References:1. Aberg F, Appelkvist EL, Broijersen A, et al. Gemfibrozil-induced
decrease in serum ubiquinone and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol levels in men with combined
hyperlipidaemia. Eur J Clin Invest 1998;28:235–42.
2. Aberg F, Appelkvist EL, Broijersen A, et al. Gemfibrozil-induced
decrease in serum ubiquinone and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol levels in men with combined
hyperlipidaemia. Eur J Clin Invest 1998;28:235–42.
3. Zema MJ. Gemfibrozil, nicotinic acid and combination therapy in
patients with isolated hypoalphalipoproteinemia: a randomized, open-label, crossover study. J
Am Coll Cardiol 2000;35:640–6.
4. Garnett WR. Interactions with hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A
reductase inhibitors. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1995;52:1639–45 [review].
5. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic
Agents, Gemfibrozil. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO, Facts
and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 172h–2j.
6. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic
Agents, Gemfibrozil. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts
and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 172h–2j.