This article describes gemfibrozil oral tablet’s dosages and strength and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for gemfibrozil. If you want to know more about gemfibrozil oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Gemfibrozil oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Lopid.
Form and strength of gemfibrozil
Gemfibrozil oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: tablet that you swallow
- Strength: 600 milligrams (mg)
Dosage of gemfibrozil
This article describes the recommended dosages for gemfibrozil oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of gemfibrozil oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of gemfibrozil in adults
The recommended dosage of gemfibrozil for lowering triglycerides and reducing the risk of heart disease is described below.
- Typical dosage: 600 milligrams (mg) twice per day
- Maximum dosage: 1,200 mg per day
Dosage adjustments for gemfibrozil
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of gemfibrozil oral tablet based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- other health conditions you may have
- how you respond to the first dose
Missed dose of gemfibrozil
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of gemfibrozil oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of gemfibrozil oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about gemfibrozil oral tablet and its dosage.
How does the dosage of gemfibrozil compare with the dosage of fenofibrate?
Gemfibrozil and fenofibrate are both approved to treat high triglyceride levels. They also both belong to the same class of drugs called fibrates. (A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.)
The table below contains the recommended dosages of both drugs for the treatment of high triglycerides. The dosages are in milligrams (mg).
| Purpose | Gemfibrozil oral tablet | Fenofibrate oral tablet |
| reduce triglyceride levels | 600 mg twice per day | 40–120 mg per day or 48–160 mg per day, depending on which generic product is prescribed |
If you have questions about which treatment is right for you, talk with your doctor.
Is it safe to take gemfibrozil after I have eaten?
No, do not take gemfibrozil after eating a meal. Doing so can make the medication less effective. Instead, take gemfibrozil 30 minutes before your morning and evening meals.
If you have more questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does gemfibrozil have a 300 mg dose?
Possibly. The recommended dosage of gemfibrozil is 600 mg twice per day. But there may be certain situations when your doctor will prescribe a lower dose, such as if you have kidney problems.
If you have questions about the right dosage for you, talk with your doctor.
Is gemfibrozil taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe gemfibrozil oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take gemfibrozil oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
How gemfibrozil is taken
You’ll swallow gemfibrozil oral tablet twice per day. Take the medication 30 minutes before your morning and evening meals.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Do not cut or crush the tablet. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, read this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
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Overdose of gemfibrozil
It’s important that you do not take more gemfibrozil oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of gemfibrozil overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- stomach cramps
- diarrhea
- joint and muscle pain
- nausea
- vomiting
What to do if you take too much gemfibrozil
If you think you’ve taken too much gemfibrozil, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for gemfibrozil oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of gemfibrozil oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take gemfibrozil oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will you change my dosage of gemfibrozil if I’m taking other drugs with it?
- Will a higher dosage of gemfibrozil raise my risk of side effects?
- What should I do if I forget to take gemfibrozil before I eat a meal?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.