What is fenofibrate used for?

Fenofibrate is a cholesterol-lowering medicine used to reduce the levels of LDL-C (bad cholesterol), total cholesterol, and triglycerides and to increase HDL-C (good cholesterol) in adult patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. Mixed dyslipidemia is a condition in which there are elevated LDL-C (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels and low levels of HDL-C (good cholesterol). 

There may be other uses of fenofibrate - your doctor or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

How does fenofibrate work?

Fenofibrate is a fibric acid agent or fibrate. These drugs activate certain receptors, specifically peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha (PPAR-alpha). This increases the activity of an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase, which breaks down circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol) and triglycerides and promotes the formation of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol).

Fenofibrate and other cholesterol-lowering medicines should be used in conjunction with a proper diet (low-fat diet) and regular exercise to reduce the health risks associated with high cholesterol levels 

What is the dosage of fenofibrate?

Fenofibrate comes in the form of capsules and tablets and is typically taken once a day by mouth. The dose depends on the formulation and the condition it is being used to treat. Typical doses are:

• TriCor 48 mg to 145 mg once daily
• Antara 43 mg to 130 mg once daily
• Trilipix 45 mg to 135 mg once daily
• Fenoglide 40 mg to120 mg once daily
• Fibricor 35 mg to 105 mg once daily