Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
FENOGLIDE vs LIPIDIL
Clinician-reviewed, head-to-head comparison of mechanism, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles.
Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 · OpiCalc Medical Review Team
Fenofibrate is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist. It increases lipolysis and elimination of triglyceride-rich particles from plasma, reduces hepatic production of VLDL, and increases HDL cholesterol.
LIPIDIL (fenofibrate) is a fibric acid derivative that activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha), leading to increased lipolysis and clearance of triglyceride-rich particles, and increased synthesis of apolipoproteins A-I and A-II.
Primary hypercholesterolemia,Mixed dyslipidemia,Severe hypertriglyceridemia
Primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia (as adjunct to diet),Severe hypertriglyceridemia,Prevention of pancreatitis in patients with hypertriglyceridemia
160 mg orally once daily, taken with or without food.
130 mg orally once daily.
The terminal elimination half-life of fenofibric acid is approximately 20 hours (range 15-25 hours). This long half-life allows once-daily dosing. Steady-state is reached within approximately 5 days.
Terminal elimination half-life of fenofibric acid is approximately 20 hours (range 15-25 hours). This supports once-daily dosing; steady-state is achieved after ~5 days.
Hepatic metabolism via glucuronidation; minor CYP450 involvement (CYP3A4).
Fenofibrate is metabolized primarily by glucuronidation; fenofibric acid is further metabolized via reduction to benzhydrol metabolite. Minor involvement of CYP450 enzymes, predominantly CYP3A4.
Fenoglide (fenofibrate) is primarily excreted in urine as fenofibric acid and its glucuronide conjugate, accounting for approximately 60-70% of the dose. About 20-25% is eliminated in feces via biliary excretion. Renal excretion is the major route.
Primarily renal excretion of glucuronide conjugates; approximately 70% of a single oral dose is recovered in urine (mostly as fenofibric acid glucuronide), and about 6% is excreted in feces.
Fenofibric acid is extensively bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin, with a binding rate greater than 99%.
Fenofibric acid is highly bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin, with >99% binding.
The apparent volume of distribution (Vd) of fenofibric acid is approximately 0.9 L/kg. This suggests distribution into total body water, with some tissue binding.
Apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) is approximately 0.9 L/kg, indicating distribution into total body water.
The absolute oral bioavailability of fenofibric acid from fenofibrate tablets is approximately 90% under fed conditions. Administration with food increases absorption by up to 35% compared to fasting.
Absolute bioavailability of fenofibrate (prodrug) is not determined; fenofibrate is rapidly converted to fenofibric acid with a relative bioavailability of approximately 81-96% compared to the micronized formulation when taken with food. Absorption is enhanced when taken with meals.
No dose adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment (e GFR >30 m L/min/1.73 m2). Not recommended in severe renal impairment (e GFR <30 m L/min/1.73 m2) or dialysis.
GFR 30-89 m L/min: 130 mg once daily; GFR <30 m L/min: contraindicated.
Contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C). Use caution in moderate impairment (Child-Pugh class B); consider dose reduction.
Child-Pugh class A: 130 mg once daily; Child-Pugh class B or C: contraindicated.
Not approved for use in pediatric patients under 18 years of age.
Not recommended for use in pediatric patients.
No specific dose adjustment; monitor renal function due to age-related decline.
No dose adjustment required, but monitor renal function due to age-related decline.
No FDA black box warning.
There is no FDA black box warning for LIPIDIL.
Hepatotoxicity: rare but severe; monitor liver enzymes.,Rhabdomyolysis: risk increased with renal impairment, hypothyroidism, statins.,Renal function: dose adjustment needed in mild-moderate impairment; contraindicated in severe renal disease.,Cholelithiasis: fenofibrate increases cholesterol excretion into bile.,Pancreatitis: associated with severe hypertriglyceridemia; monitor triglycerides.,Venous thromboembolism: increased risk with fenofibrate.
Hepatotoxicity: elevated liver enzymes reported; monitor liver function,Myopathy/rhabdomyolysis: increased risk when combined with statins or in renal impairment,Renal impairment: dose adjustment required; avoid in severe renal impairment,Cholelithiasis: increased bile cholesterol saturation may lead to gallstones, Pancreatitis: despite triglyceride reduction, pancreatitis can occur
Severe renal impairment (e GFR <30 m L/min/1.73m²),Active liver disease including primary biliary cirrhosis,Known hypersensitivity to fenofibrate or excipients,Gallbladder disease,Nursing mothers
Severe renal impairment (e GFR < 30 m L/min),Active liver disease including primary biliary cirrhosis,Pre-existing gallbladder disease,Hypersensitivity to fenofibrate or any component,Nursing mothers (due to potential for tumorigenicity in animal studies)
Take with food to enhance absorption. Avoid high-fat meals immediately before or after dose. Grapefruit juice may increase fenofibrate exposure (moderate interaction, monitor). Statin co-administration: avoid large amounts of grapefruit juice.
Take with food to enhance absorption. Avoid high-fat meals that may exacerbate hypertriglyceridemia. Grapefruit juice has minimal interaction but caution is advised with statin combinations. Alcohol should be limited or avoided due to potential for elevated triglycerides and hepatotoxicity.
First trimester: No adequate studies; animal data show no major malformations at clinically relevant doses. Second and third trimesters: Associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes (e.g., preterm birth, low birth weight) due to β-receptor agonist effects. Avoid use during pregnancy.
Lipidil (fenofibrate) is contraindicated in pregnancy. Animal studies show fetal toxicity at high doses. Human data are insufficient, but risk cannot be excluded. First trimester: possible embryotoxicity; second and third trimesters: potential for fetal harm due to interference with lipid metabolism.
Excreted in breast milk; M/P ratio unknown. Potential for neonatal β-receptor stimulation. Caution advised; manufacturer recommends discontinuing breastfeeding or drug.
Contraindicated during breastfeeding. Fenofibrate is excreted in breast milk in animal studies; M/P ratio unknown in humans. Potential for serious adverse effects in breastfed infants, including interference with fatty acid metabolism.
No established dose adjustments for pregnancy; use only if potential benefit outweighs risk. Consideration of lower doses due to altered pharmacokinetics (increased clearance, decreased plasma concentration).
Lipidil is contraindicated in pregnancy; no dose adjustment recommended. Therapy should be discontinued upon conception or if pregnancy is planned. There are no established dose adjustments for pregnant women due to lack of safety data.
Fenofibrate is a fibric acid derivative used primarily for hypertriglyceridemia and mixed dyslipidemia. It activates PPAR-alpha, increasing lipoprotein lipase and reducing apolipoprotein C-III. Monitor renal function; dose adjustment required for Cr Cl 30-60 m L/min. Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (Cr Cl <30) and active liver disease. Can increase serum creatinine, but this is often reversible. Co-administration with statins increases risk of myopathy, especially in elderly or renal impairment. May increase homocysteine levels; monitor if at risk for thrombosis.
Lipidil (fenofibrate) is a PPARα agonist used primarily for severe hypertriglyceridemia and mixed dyslipidemia. Monitor renal function at baseline and periodically; reduce dose in CKD (e GFR <60 m L/min). Avoid in severe hepatic impairment or gallbladder disease. Combines with statins but increases risk of myopathy; monitor for muscle symptoms. May raise serum creatinine and homocysteine levels. Tablet should be swallowed whole; do not crush or chew.
Take with food to improve absorption.,Avoid alcohol as it may worsen triglyceride levels.,Report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or malaise.,Do not stop medication without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well.,Keep all appointments for blood tests to monitor liver function and lipid levels.
Take with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.,Avoid alcohol as it can worsen triglyceride levels and liver effects.,Report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness immediately.,Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, or gallbladder problems.,This medication may increase the effects of blood thinners (warfarin); monitor INR closely.,Do not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor.
No interactions on record
No interactions on record
Explore head-to-head clinical comparisons of other medications in the same therapeutic classes.
Common clinical questions about FENOGLIDE vs LIPIDIL, answered by our medical review team.
FENOGLIDE is a Antilipemic that works by Fenofibrate is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist. It increases lipolysis and elimination of triglyceride-rich particles from plasma, reduces hepatic production of VLDL, and increases HDL cholesterol.. LIPIDIL is a Fibrate Antilipemic that works by LIPIDIL (fenofibrate) is a fibric acid derivative that activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha), leading to increased lipolysis and clearance of triglyceride-rich particles, and increased synthesis of apolipoproteins A-I and A-II.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between FENOGLIDE and LIPIDIL depend on the specific clinical indication. These are agents from distinct pharmacological classes and are not directly interchangeable by dose. A physician or clinical pharmacist should guide any therapeutic switching decisions.
The standard adult dose of FENOGLIDE is: 160 mg orally once daily, taken with or without food.. The standard adult dose of LIPIDIL is: 130 mg orally once daily.. Dosing should always be individualized based on indication, renal and hepatic function, age, and other patient factors.
No direct drug-drug interaction has been formally documented between FENOGLIDE and LIPIDIL in current clinical databases. However, individual patient risk factors including other medications, organ function, and comorbidities should always be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
The maternal-fetal safety profiles differ. FENOGLIDE is classified as Category C. First trimester: No adequate studies; animal data show no major malformations at clinically relevant doses. Second and third trimesters: Associated with adverse maternal and fetal . LIPIDIL is classified as Category C. Lipidil (fenofibrate) is contraindicated in pregnancy. Animal studies show fetal toxicity at high doses. Human data are insufficient, but risk cannot be excluded. First trimester: . Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.