Pharmacology Made Easy: Fibrates Overview

These flashcards cover key information about fibrates, including their uses, side effects, administration, client instructions, contraindications, precautions, and drug interactions.

Fibrates

A class of medications used to reduce high levels of plasma triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol.

Therapeutic Use

Reduces high levels of plasma triglycerides and increases HDL cholesterol.

Adverse Drug Reactions

Possible side effects include GI manifestations such as nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gallstones, myopathy, and liver toxicity.

Interventions for Fibrates

Monitor GI manifestations, gall bladder disease, myopathy, creatine kinase levels, and liver function tests.

Administration of Fibrates

Available for oral use only, usually taken twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and evening meals.

Client Instructions for Fibrates

Report GI manifestations, intolerance to fried foods, muscle or joint pain, abdominal pain, jaundice, and fatigue to provider.

Contraindications for Fibrates

Should not be used in patients with gall bladder disease, liver dysfunction, or severe renal impairment.

Precautions when prescribing Fibrates

Use with caution in pregnant, lactating, or pediatric clients.

Drug Interactions with Fibrates

Statin antilipemics increase the risk of myopathy; warfarin with fibrates increases the risk for bleeding.