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Ciprofibrate: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Ciprofibrate is a fibric acid derivative (fibrate) indicated as an adjunct to diet and lifestyle modification for the management of the following conditions: Severe hypertriglyceridemia (established…

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About Ciprofibrate

Indications of Ciprofibrate

Ciprofibrate is a fibric acid derivative (fibrate) indicated as an adjunct to diet and lifestyle modification for the management of the following conditions:

  • Severe hypertriglyceridemia (established use) - to reduce elevated triglyceride levels, particularly when there is a risk of pancreatitis due to very high triglycerides.
  • Mixed dyslipidemia (established use) - elevated triglycerides with or without low HDL-cholesterol, in patients who have not responded adequately to diet and other non-pharmacological measures (e.g. weight reduction, exercise, control of diabetes).
  • Adjunct therapy - Ciprofibrate may be used together with a statin in selected patients with mixed dyslipidemia who remain at high triglyceride-related risk despite statin therapy, but this combination requires careful physician-supervised risk-benefit assessment because of an increased risk of muscle-related adverse effects (see Interactions).

Ciprofibrate is not indicated for the primary treatment of isolated hypercholesterolemia and should always be used alongside continued dietary and lifestyle management, not as a substitute for it.

Dosage & Administration of Ciprofibrate

Adults

IndicationRecommended Dose
Hypertriglyceridemia / mixed dyslipidemia100 mg once daily, taken preferably with a meal (commonly recommended with the evening meal)

Administration

  • Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew unless the product labeling permits it.
  • Take Ciprofibrate at approximately the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.
  • Continue dietary and lifestyle measures (low-fat diet, weight control, exercise, glycemic control if diabetic) throughout treatment with Ciprofibrate.
  • Response to treatment (lipid profile) should be reassessed periodically; if an adequate triglyceride-lowering response is not achieved after a few months, continued therapy should be reviewed by the physician.

Renal impairment

Ciprofibrate is contraindicated in severe renal impairment. In mild-to-moderate renal impairment, dose reduction and close monitoring are required because Ciprofibrate is renally eliminated; consult a physician for individualized dosing.

Hepatic impairment

Ciprofibrate is contraindicated in significant hepatic impairment, including primary biliary cirrhosis (see Contraindications).

Side Effects of Ciprofibrate

Most patients tolerate Ciprofibrate well; however, the following adverse effects have been reported:

Common

  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, diarrhea)
  • Headache
  • Skin reactions (rash, pruritus)

Less common / Important

  • Myalgia and muscle weakness (myopathy) - risk increases substantially when combined with a statin (see Interactions)
  • Elevated liver transaminases
  • Gallstones (cholelithiasis) with prolonged use (see Contraindications regarding pre-existing gallbladder disease)
  • Photosensitivity reactions

Rare but serious

  • Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown, can be life-threatening) - seek immediate medical attention for unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness accompanied by fever or dark urine.
  • Severe hepatotoxicity

Contraindications of Ciprofibrate

Ciprofibrate is contraindicated in the following situations:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Ciprofibrate or any component of the formulation.
  • Severe renal impairment.
  • Significant hepatic impairment, including primary biliary cirrhosis.
  • Pre-existing gallbladder disease (e.g. gallstones/cholelithiasis).
  • Concurrent use with other fibrate lipid-lowering agents.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ciprofibrate

What is Ciprofibrate used for?

Ciprofibrate is used, as an adjunct to diet, to treat hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides) and mixed dyslipidemia in patients who have not responded adequately to dietary and lifestyle changes alone.

How should I take Ciprofibrate?

Ciprofibrate is usually taken as one 100 mg tablet once daily, preferably with a meal, at the same time each day. Continue following your prescribed diet and exercise plan while taking Ciprofibrate.

Can I take Ciprofibrate together with a statin?

Combining Ciprofibrate with a statin increases the risk of muscle problems (myopathy) and, rarely, serious muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis). This combination should only be used if your physician has specifically decided the benefit outweighs the risk, with close monitoring for muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.

Who should not take Ciprofibrate?

Ciprofibrate should not be used by people with known hypersensitivity to it, severe kidney impairment, significant liver disease (including primary biliary cirrhosis), gallbladder disease (such as gallstones), or by anyone already taking another fibrate medicine.

Is Ciprofibrate safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Ciprofibrate should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the baby; it should generally be avoided during breastfeeding unless your physician advises otherwise. Always consult your physician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

What side effects should prompt me to contact my doctor?

Contact your doctor promptly if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness (especially with fever or dark urine), yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain, or signs of an allergic reaction while taking Ciprofibrate.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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