From the Guidelines
The recommended dosage of fenofibrate for high cholesterol is 48-145 mg once daily, with the specific dose depending on the formulation used, and should not exceed 54 mg/day in patients with moderate renal impairment [eGFR between 30 and 59 mL/min per 1.73 m2] 1.
Key Considerations
- The dosage of fenofibrate may vary depending on the specific formulation used, such as standard fenofibrate (Tricor) or micronized fenofibrate (Lofibra) 1.
- Patients with moderate renal impairment should have their dose limited to 54 mg/day, and those with severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min per 1.73 m2) should not use fenofibrate at all 1.
- Regular monitoring of renal function, including serum creatinine and eGFR, is essential during fenofibrate treatment 1.
Administration and Monitoring
- Fenofibrate should be taken with food to enhance absorption.
- Baseline liver function tests should be performed before starting treatment, and regular monitoring of lipid levels and liver function is recommended during treatment.
- Fenofibrate works by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha), which increases the breakdown of triglycerides and raises HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Special Considerations
- Common side effects of fenofibrate include digestive issues, muscle pain, and potential liver enzyme elevation.
- Patients with severe kidney disease should use lower doses or avoid fenofibrate altogether.
- The benefits of fenofibrate in reducing ASCVD risk or triglyceride levels should be weighed against the potential risks of adverse effects, particularly in patients with renal impairment 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia: Initial dose of 160 mg once daily. Severe hypertriglyceridemia: Initial dose of 54 mg to 160 mg once daily. Maximum dose is 160 mg.
The dosage of fenofibrate for high cholesterol is 160 mg once daily for primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia, and 54 mg to 160 mg once daily for severe hypertriglyceridemia, with a maximum dose of 160 mg 2.
From the Research
Dosage of Fenofibrate for High Cholesterol
The dosage of fenofibrate for high cholesterol can vary depending on the specific formulation and the patient's condition.
- According to the study 3, fenofibrate was administered at a dose of 160-200 mg/day.
- Another study 4 used a dose of 200 mg/day of fenofibrate.
- A study published in 2001 5 used a dose of 200 mg/day of fenofibrate.
- The study 6 used a dose of 200 mg/day of micronized fenofibrate.
- The study 7 also used a dose of 200 mg/day of micronized fenofibrate.
Key Findings
- Fenofibrate has been shown to be effective in reducing triglyceride levels and improving LDL subfraction distribution 4, 5, 6.
- The medication has also been found to increase HDL cholesterol levels and improve vascular reactivity 5, 7.
- The dosage of 200 mg/day appears to be a common and effective dose for fenofibrate in the treatment of high cholesterol 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.