Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
TRIGLIDE vs FENOGLIDE
Clinician-reviewed, head-to-head comparison of mechanism, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles.
Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 · OpiCalc Medical Review Team
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.
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.
Adjunctive therapy to diet for severe hypertriglyceridemia (Fredrickson types IV and V),Primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson types IIa and IIb)
Primary hypercholesterolemia,Mixed dyslipidemia,Severe hypertriglyceridemia
Initial dose: 60 mg (1 tablet) twice daily, gradually increased over 3-7 days to maintenance dose of 120 mg twice daily.
160 mg orally once daily, taken with or without food.
22-35 hours; prolonged in renal impairment (up to 50 hours).
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.
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.
Hepatic metabolism via glucuronidation; minor CYP450 involvement (CYP3A4).
Primarily renal (70% as unchanged drug), 20% fecal, <10% biliary.
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.
>99% to albumin.
Fenofibric acid is extensively bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin, with a binding rate greater than 99%.
0.11-0.16 L/kg; indicates limited extravascular distribution.
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.
60-70% (oral).
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.
No specific dose adjustment for GFR >10 m L/min; avoid use in patients with GFR <10 m L/min or on dialysis.
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.
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.
Contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C). Use caution in moderate impairment (Child-Pugh class B); consider dose reduction.
Not approved for pediatric patients; safety and efficacy not established.
Not approved for use in pediatric patients under 18 years of age.
Use lowest effective dose; monitor for cardiac and electrolyte disturbances; start at 60 mg twice daily and titrate slowly.
No specific dose adjustment; monitor renal function due to age-related decline.
None
No FDA black box warning.
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
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.
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Excreted in breast milk; M/P ratio unknown. Potential for neonatal β-receptor stimulation. Caution advised; manufacturer recommends discontinuing breastfeeding or drug.
No dose adjustment guidelines due to contraindication. Pharmacokinetics in pregnancy not studied; no recommended dose changes.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 TRIGLIDE vs FENOGLIDE, answered by our medical review team.
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.. 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.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between TRIGLIDE and FENOGLIDE 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 TRIGLIDE is: Initial dose: 60 mg (1 tablet) twice daily, gradually increased over 3-7 days to maintenance dose of 120 mg twice daily.. The standard adult dose of FENOGLIDE is: 160 mg orally once daily, taken with or without food.. 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 TRIGLIDE and FENOGLIDE 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. 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. 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 . Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.