Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
TRICOR (MICRONIZED) vs TRILIPIX
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.
TRILIPIX (fenofibric acid) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist. It increases lipolysis and elimination of triglyceride-rich particles from plasma by activating lipoprotein lipase, and reduces production of apoprotein 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 hyperlipidemia),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.
135 mg orally once daily, not to exceed 135 mg/day.
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.
Terminal elimination half-life of fenofibric acid is approximately 20 hours (range 10-35 hours), allowing once-daily dosing.
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).
Fenofibric acid is primarily metabolized via glucuronidation. It is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes.
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 excretion as glucuronide conjugate and unchanged drug; ~60% of dose excreted in urine as fenofibric acid and its glucuronide, ~25% in feces.
Highly protein-bound (>99%), primarily to albumin.
Fenofibric acid is highly bound to plasma albumin (>99%).
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.
Apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) is approximately 0.9 L/kg, indicating distribution into extracellular fluid.
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.
Absolute bioavailability of fenofibric acid from TRILIPIX is not determined; relative bioavailability compared to micronized fenofibrate is approximately 100% after oral administration.
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.
Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (e GFR <30 m L/min/1.73 m²). For mild to moderate impairment (e GFR 30-59 m L/min/1.73 m²), maximum dose is 67 mg daily.
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 hepatic impairment. No dose adjustment specified for Child-Pugh Class A; use with caution.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established; use not recommended in children.
Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients.
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.
No specific dose adjustment recommended; select dose cautiously due to age-related renal function decline.
There is no FDA black box warning for Tricor (micronized fenofibrate).
There is no FDA-required black box warning for TRILIPIX.
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)
Risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis, especially in patients with renal impairment or those taking statins,Elevations in serum transaminases, possibly leading to cholelithiasis,Hepatocellular and obstructive jaundice have been reported,Monitor renal function prior to and during therapy,Not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (e GFR <30 m L/min/1.73 m²)
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 unexplained persistent liver function abnormalities),Pre-existing gallbladder disease,Known hypersensitivity to fenofibric acid, fenofibrate, or any component of the formulation
Take with food to enhance absorption. Avoid grapefruit juice. Limit alcohol intake. Maintain a low-fat diet as part of triglyceride management.
Avoid high-fat meals during administration as they can alter fenofibric acid absorption. Avoid grapefruit juice as it may increase drug exposure. Alcohol consumption should be limited (no more than 1 drink per day for women, 2 for men) due to potential hepatotoxicity and worsening of hypertriglyceridemia.
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.
Pregnancy category C. First trimester: No adequate studies in humans; animal studies show fetal toxicity at high doses. Second and third trimesters: Use only if benefit outweighs risk; may cause fetal harm due to maternal hypertriglyceridemia or drug effects.
No data on milk concentration or M/P ratio. Not recommended due to potential for adverse effects in nursing infant; alternatives should be considered.
Not recommended. M/P ratio unknown; fenofibric acid is excreted in rat milk; potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants.
No established dosing adjustments. Pharmacokinetics may be altered due to increased plasma volume and renal clearance; monitor efficacy and safety. Consider therapy discontinuation.
No established dosing adjustments; pharmacokinetics in pregnancy unknown. Use lowest effective dose if necessary; avoid in third trimester unless essential.
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.
TRILIPIX (fenofibric acid) is a fibric acid derivative used as an adjunct to diet for severe hypertriglyceridemia. Monitor renal function prior to initiation and periodically; dose reduction required for e GFR 30-59 m L/min/1.73m². Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (e GR <30) and active liver disease. May increase serum creatinine; typically reversible. Co-administration with statins increases risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis; avoid in patients with predisposing factors. Not recommended for primary prevention of coronary heart disease.
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 TRILIPIX with or without food, but avoid taking with a high-fat meal as it may increase absorption variability.,Report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or malaise.,Inform your healthcare provider if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of gallbladder problems.,Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor.,Alcohol consumption should be minimized or avoided as it can increase triglyceride levels and liver stress.
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 TRILIPIX, 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.. TRILIPIX is a Fibrate Antilipemic that works by TRILIPIX (fenofibric acid) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist. It increases lipolysis and elimination of triglyceride-rich particles from plasma by activating lipoprotein lipase, and reduces production of apoprotein C-III.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between TRICOR (MICRONIZED) and TRILIPIX 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 TRILIPIX is: 135 mg orally once daily, not to exceed 135 mg/day.. 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 TRILIPIX 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. TRILIPIX is classified as Category C. Pregnancy category C. First trimester: No adequate studies in humans; animal studies show fetal toxicity at high doses. Second and third trimesters: Use only if benefit outweighs r. Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.