Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
TRICOR (MICRONIZED) vs TRIGLIDE
Clinician-reviewed, head-to-head comparison of mechanism, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles.
Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 · OpiCalc Medical Review Team
Tricor (micronized fenofibrate) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist that increases lipolysis and elimination of triglyceride-rich particles from plasma by activating lipoprotein lipase and reducing production of apolipoprotein C-III.
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.
Adjunctive therapy to diet for adult patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson types IIa and IIb),Adjunctive therapy to diet for adult patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (Fredrickson types IV and V),Fenofibrate is indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated LDL-C, total-C, triglycerides, and Apo B, and to increase HDL-C in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia,Reduction of triglycerides in patients with hypertriglyceridemia (types IV and V hyperlipidemia)
Adjunctive therapy to diet for severe hypertriglyceridemia (Fredrickson types IV and V),Primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson types IIa and IIb)
Initial 48 mg (1 tablet) orally once daily with meals. May increase to 96 mg (2 tablets) once daily with meals. Maximum dose 96 mg/day.
Initial dose: 60 mg (1 tablet) twice daily, gradually increased over 3-7 days to maintenance dose of 120 mg twice daily.
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 20 hours (range 15-25 hours) in patients with normal renal function. Half-life is prolonged in renal impairment, requiring dose adjustment when e GFR < 30 m L/min/1.73 m².
22-35 hours; prolonged in renal impairment (up to 50 hours).
Fenofibrate is a prodrug that is rapidly hydrolyzed by esterases to the active metabolite, fenofibric acid. Fenofibric acid is further metabolized by glucuronidation and excreted in urine. Major metabolic pathways involve hepatic glucuronidation via UGT1A1 and UGT1A3, with minor CYP-mediated metabolism (CYP3A4, CYP2C9).
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 excretion of glucuronide conjugate, accounting for approximately 60-70% of elimination; fecal excretion accounts for about 25%. Minimal unchanged drug in urine.
Primarily renal (70% as unchanged drug), 20% fecal, <10% biliary.
Highly protein-bound (>99%), primarily to albumin.
>99% to albumin.
Apparent volume of distribution is approximately 0.5 L/kg (range 0.2-0.9 L/kg). This moderate Vd indicates limited extravascular distribution, primarily intravascular and interstitial fluid spaces.
0.11-0.16 L/kg; indicates limited extravascular distribution.
Oral bioavailability is approximately 66% (range 50-90%) after administration of micronized fenofibrate capsules taken with food. Absorption is enhanced by food; bioavailability is reduced when taken on an empty stomach.
60-70% (oral).
Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (e GFR <30 m L/min/1.73 m²). For mild to moderate impairment (e GFR 30-80 m L/min/1.73 m²), reduce dose to 48 mg once daily. Not to exceed 48 mg/day.
No specific dose adjustment for GFR >10 m L/min; avoid use in patients with GFR <10 m L/min or on dialysis.
Contraindicated in active liver disease or unexplained persistent liver function abnormalities. For Child-Pugh class A or B, avoid use due to potential risk; no specific dose adjustment recommendations, but cautious use only if benefit outweighs risk. Contraindicated in Child-Pugh class C.
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.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established; use not recommended in children.
Not approved for pediatric patients; safety and efficacy not established.
Select dose cautiously starting at the lower end of dosing range (48 mg once daily) due to possible decreased renal function and increased risk of adverse effects. 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.
There is no FDA black box warning for Tricor (micronized fenofibrate).
None
Hepatotoxicity: elevations of serum transaminases; monitor liver function tests,Cholelithiasis: fenofibrate may increase cholesterol excretion into bile, leading to gallstones,Pancreatitis: risk may be increased, especially in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia,Myopathy/rhabdomyolysis: risk increased when used with HMG-Co A reductase inhibitors (statins) or other fibrates,Renal impairment: dose adjustment required; contraindicated in severe renal impairment (e GFR <30 m L/min/1.73 m²)
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) or end-stage renal disease,Active liver disease, including primary biliary cirrhosis and unexplained persistent liver function abnormalities,Pre-existing gallbladder disease,Known hypersensitivity to fenofibrate or any component of the formulation,Breastfeeding (due to potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants)
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 absorption. Avoid grapefruit juice. Limit alcohol intake. Maintain a low-fat diet as part of triglyceride management.
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.
FDA Pregnancy Category C. First trimester: No adequate human studies; animal studies show fetal skeletal variations at high doses. Second and third trimesters: Avoid due to potential fetal harm and insufficient data. Use only if benefit outweighs risk.
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.
No data on milk concentration or M/P ratio. Not recommended due to potential for adverse effects in nursing infant; alternatives should be considered.
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 established dosing adjustments. Pharmacokinetics may be altered due to increased plasma volume and renal clearance; monitor efficacy and safety. Consider therapy discontinuation.
No dose adjustment guidelines due to contraindication. Pharmacokinetics in pregnancy not studied; no recommended dose changes.
Monitor renal function before and during therapy; reduce dose in e GFR 30-59 m L/min; contraindicated in severe renal impairment (e GFR <30 m L/min). May increase serum creatinine and transaminases. Avoid in active liver disease or unexplained persistent transaminase elevation. Risk of myopathy increases when coadministered with statins, especially in renal impairment. Can be used in combination with statins but monitor for muscle symptoms. Dose adjustment not required in mild to moderate hepatic impairment but use with caution.
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 food to improve absorption and reduce GI side effects.,Swallow capsules whole; do not crush, chew, or open.,Avoid consuming grapefruit juice as it may increase drug levels.,Report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or malaise.,May cause gallstones; report right upper abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.,Avoid alcohol as it may increase triglyceride levels and liver effects.,This medication is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise; continue lifestyle modifications.,Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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 TRICOR (MICRONIZED) vs TRIGLIDE, answered by our medical review team.
TRICOR (MICRONIZED) is a Fibrate Antilipemic that works by Tricor (micronized fenofibrate) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist that increases lipolysis and elimination of triglyceride-rich particles from plasma by activating lipoprotein lipase and reducing production of apolipoprotein C-III.. 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 TRICOR (MICRONIZED) 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 TRICOR (MICRONIZED) is: Initial 48 mg (1 tablet) orally once daily with meals. May increase to 96 mg (2 tablets) once daily with meals. Maximum dose 96 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 TRICOR (MICRONIZED) 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. TRICOR (MICRONIZED) is classified as Category C. FDA Pregnancy Category C. First trimester: No adequate human studies; animal studies show fetal skeletal variations at high doses. Second and third trimesters: Avoid due to potenti. 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.