Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
LIPOFEN vs TRIGLIDE
Clinician-reviewed, head-to-head comparison of mechanism, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles.
Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 · OpiCalc Medical Review Team
Lipofen (fenofibrate) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist. It activates PPARα, which increases lipolysis and elimination of triglyceride-rich particles from plasma by stimulating lipoprotein lipase activity and reducing apolipoprotein C-III production. This leads to decreased triglyceride levels and increased HDL cholesterol.
TRIGLIDE (fenofibrate) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) activator. It increases lipolysis and elimination of triglyceride-rich particles from plasma by activating lipoprotein lipase and reducing production of apolipoprotein C-III.
Adjunct to diet for treatment of hypertriglyceridemia (Fredrickson types IV and V hyperlipidemia),Adjunct to diet for treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson types IIa and IIb) when statins are contraindicated or not tolerated
Adjunctive therapy to diet for severe hypertriglyceridemia (Fredrickson types IV and V),Primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson types IIa and IIb)
For hypertriglyceridemia: 67-134 mg (as fenofibric acid) orally three times daily with meals. Maximum dose 200 mg/day.
Initial dose: 60 mg (1 tablet) twice daily, gradually increased over 3-7 days to maintenance dose of 120 mg twice daily.
5-7 hours (prolonged in renal impairment; may exceed 24 hours in severe CKD).
22-35 hours; prolonged in renal impairment (up to 50 hours).
Primarily metabolized by glucuronidation via UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT2B7) to fenofibric acid, the active metabolite. Minor CYP450 involvement (CYP3A4, CYP2C8, CYP2C19). Renal elimination of conjugates and unchanged drug.
Fenofibrate is a prodrug that is rapidly hydrolyzed by esterases to the active metabolite fenofibric acid. Fenofibric acid is conjugated with glucuronic acid and excreted in urine. Major CYP450 involvement is minimal; however, fenofibric acid is a substrate of CYP3A4 and to some extent CYP2C8.
Primarily renal (90% as unchanged drug), with <5% fecal.
Primarily renal (70% as unchanged drug), 20% fecal, <10% biliary.
>99% bound to albumin.
>99% to albumin.
Approximately 0.5 L/kg (low, indicating minimal tissue distribution).
0.11-0.16 L/kg; indicates limited extravascular distribution.
Oral: 30% (first-pass effect; absorption increased with food).
60-70% (oral).
GFR 30-59 m L/min: reduce dose by 50% (e.g., 67 mg once daily). GFR <30 m L/min: contraindicated.
No specific dose adjustment for GFR >10 m L/min; avoid use in patients with GFR <10 m L/min or on dialysis.
Child-Pugh Class A: no dose adjustment. Child-Pugh Class B or C: contraindicated due to risk of hepatotoxicity.
Contraindicated in Child-Pugh class B and C; use with caution in Child-Pugh class A with dose reduction (e.g., 60 mg twice daily) and monitor closely.
Not recommended in children <18 years; safety and efficacy not established.
Not approved for pediatric patients; safety and efficacy not established.
Start at lower end of dosing range; monitor renal function and adjust accordingly.
Use lowest effective dose; monitor for cardiac and electrolyte disturbances; start at 60 mg twice daily and titrate slowly.
None.
None
Hepatotoxicity: Elevations of serum transaminases; monitor liver function. Discontinue if ALT > 3x ULN.,Cholelithiasis: Increases cholesterol excretion into bile, risk of gallstones.,Pancreatitis: Has been reported, especially during initiation or dose escalation.,Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis: Risk increased when co-administered with statins.,Renal impairment: Dose adjustment required. Use with caution in patients with serum creatinine > 2.0 mg/d L.,Venothromboembolic disease: Increased risk of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis in some trials.
Hepatotoxicity: elevations in serum transaminases, rare reports of hepatitis and cirrhosis; monitor hepatic function,Cholelithiasis: increased cholesterol excretion into bile, risk of gallstone formation,Rhabdomyolysis: increased risk in patients with renal impairment, hypothyroidism, or those taking statins or other fibrates,Pancreatitis: observed in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia,Renal impairment: contraindicated in severe renal disease; dose adjustment needed in mild-to-moderate impairment
Severe renal impairment (e GFR < 30 m L/min/1.73 m²),Active liver disease including primary biliary cirrhosis and unexplained persistent liver function abnormalities,Pre-existing gallbladder disease,Known hypersensitivity to fenofibrate or any formulation components,Nursing mothers
Severe renal impairment (e GFR < 30 m L/min/1.73 m²),Active liver disease including primary biliary cirrhosis and unexplained persistent liver function abnormalities,Known gallbladder disease,Hypersensitivity to fenofibrate or any component of the formulation,Nursing mothers (due to potential for tumorigenicity in animal studies)
Take with food to enhance bioavailability. Avoid high-fat meals immediately before dosing as they may delay absorption. Grapefruit juice has no significant interaction. Alcohol should be limited or avoided due to potential for increased triglyceride levels and hepatotoxicity. No specific restriction on caffeine. Ensure adequate hydration to prevent renal complications.
Take with food to enhance bioavailability. Avoid high-fat meals that may exacerbate hypertriglyceridemia. Limit alcohol intake as it can increase triglyceride levels and hepatotoxicity risk. Grapefruit juice has no significant interaction with fenofibrate.
LIPOFEN (fenofibrate) is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C. Animal studies have shown embryotoxicity and teratogenicity at high doses, but no adequate human studies exist. First trimester: potential risk of congenital anomalies cannot be ruled out. Second and third trimesters: may cause fetal skeletal abnormalities and growth retardation; risk of neonatal complications if used near term. Contraindicated in pregnancy unless clearly needed.
TRIGLIDE (fenofibrate) is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential fetal harm. First trimester: no adequate human data; animal studies show embryotoxicity and delayed ossification at doses below human exposure. Second and third trimesters: risk of fetal skeletal abnormalities and growth retardation; use only if maternal benefit outweighs risk.
Fenofibrate is excreted in breast milk in rats; no human data. M/P ratio unknown. Due to potential for adverse effects in nursing infants, avoid use during breastfeeding or discontinue nursing.
Fenofibrate is excreted in rat milk; no human data. M/P ratio unknown. Breastfeeding is contraindicated due to potential lipid metabolism disruption in infant and lack of safety data.
No specific dose adjustments are recommended due to lack of pharmacokinetic data in pregnancy. However, use is generally avoided; if deemed necessary, use lowest effective dose and monitor maternal and fetal status closely.
No dose adjustment guidelines due to contraindication. Pharmacokinetics in pregnancy not studied; no recommended dose changes.
LIPOFEN (fenofibrate) is a PPAR-alpha agonist that reduces triglycerides and increases HDL-C. Monitor renal function before initiation and periodically; dose adjustment required if e GFR <60 m L/min/1.73m2. Avoid use in severe renal impairment (e GFR <30). May increase serum creatinine transiently. Increases risk of cholelithiasis due to cholesterol supersaturation. Concomitant statin therapy increases risk of myopathy; monitor for muscle symptoms. Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; contraindicated in active liver disease. May potentiate effect of oral anticoagulants; monitor INR.
TRIGLIDE (fenofibrate) is a fibric acid derivative used as adjunctive therapy to diet for severe hypertriglyceridemia (≥500 mg/d L) to reduce risk of pancreatitis. Monitor renal function before initiation; dose adjustment required if e GFR 30-59 m L/min (starting dose: 48 mg/day). Avoid use if e GFR <30 m L/min or active liver disease. Coadministration with statins increases risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis; discontinue if unexplained muscle pain or weakness occurs.
Take with meals to improve absorption. Do not break, crush, or chew capsules.,Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase triglyceride levels and risk of liver damage.,Report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or malaise.,Notify your doctor if you develop abdominal pain, nausea, or jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes).,Maintain a low-fat diet and exercise regularly to maximize lipid-lowering benefits.,Do not take supplements containing red yeast rice or niacin without consulting your physician.
Take with meals to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects.,Report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness immediately, especially if also taking a statin.,Avoid alcohol consumption as it can worsen triglyceride levels and liver function.,You may need regular blood tests to monitor kidney function, liver enzymes, and lipid levels.,Do not take if you have severe kidney disease or active liver disease.
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 LIPOFEN vs TRIGLIDE, answered by our medical review team.
LIPOFEN is a Fibrate Antilipemic that works by Lipofen (fenofibrate) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist. It activates PPARα, which increases lipolysis and elimination of triglyceride-rich particles from plasma by stimulating lipoprotein lipase activity and reducing apolipoprotein C-III production. This leads to decreased triglyceride levels and increased HDL cholesterol.. TRIGLIDE is a Fibrate Antilipemic that works by TRIGLIDE (fenofibrate) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) activator. It increases lipolysis and elimination of triglyceride-rich particles from plasma by activating lipoprotein lipase and reducing production of apolipoprotein C-III.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between LIPOFEN and TRIGLIDE depend on the specific clinical indication. These are both Fibrate Antilipemic agents and are not directly interchangeable by dose. A physician or clinical pharmacist should guide any therapeutic switching decisions.
The standard adult dose of LIPOFEN is: For hypertriglyceridemia: 67-134 mg (as fenofibric acid) orally three times daily with meals. Maximum dose 200 mg/day.. The standard adult dose of TRIGLIDE is: Initial dose: 60 mg (1 tablet) twice daily, gradually increased over 3-7 days to maintenance dose of 120 mg twice 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 LIPOFEN and TRIGLIDE 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. LIPOFEN is classified as Category C. LIPOFEN (fenofibrate) is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C. Animal studies have shown embryotoxicity and teratogenicity at high doses, but no adequate human studies exist. Fir. TRIGLIDE is classified as Category C. TRIGLIDE (fenofibrate) is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential fetal harm. First trimester: no adequate human data; animal studies show embryotoxicity and delayed ossifica. Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.