Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
TRIGLIDE vs TRILIPIX
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.
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 severe hypertriglyceridemia (Fredrickson types IV and V),Primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson types IIa and IIb)
Adjunctive therapy to diet for severe hypertriglyceridemia (Fredrickson types IV and V hyperlipidemia),Primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson types IIa and IIb)
Initial dose: 60 mg (1 tablet) twice daily, gradually increased over 3-7 days to maintenance dose of 120 mg twice daily.
135 mg orally once daily, not to exceed 135 mg/day.
22-35 hours; prolonged in renal impairment (up to 50 hours).
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 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.
Fenofibric acid is primarily metabolized via glucuronidation. It is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes.
Primarily renal (70% as unchanged drug), 20% fecal, <10% biliary.
Primarily renal excretion as glucuronide conjugate and unchanged drug; ~60% of dose excreted in urine as fenofibric acid and its glucuronide, ~25% in feces.
>99% to albumin.
Fenofibric acid is highly bound to plasma albumin (>99%).
0.11-0.16 L/kg; indicates limited extravascular distribution.
Apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) is approximately 0.9 L/kg, indicating distribution into extracellular fluid.
60-70% (oral).
Absolute bioavailability of fenofibric acid from TRILIPIX is not determined; relative bioavailability compared to micronized fenofibrate is approximately 100% after oral administration.
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 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 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 Child-Pugh Class B and C hepatic impairment. No dose adjustment specified for Child-Pugh Class A; use with caution.
Not approved for pediatric patients; safety and efficacy not established.
Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients.
Use lowest effective dose; monitor for cardiac and electrolyte disturbances; start at 60 mg twice daily and titrate slowly.
No specific dose adjustment recommended; select dose cautiously due to age-related renal function decline.
None
There is no FDA-required black box warning for TRILIPIX.
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
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),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/1.73 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Not recommended. M/P ratio unknown; fenofibric acid is excreted in rat milk; potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants.
No dose adjustment guidelines due to contraindication. Pharmacokinetics in pregnancy not studied; no recommended dose changes.
No established dosing adjustments; pharmacokinetics in pregnancy unknown. Use lowest effective dose if necessary; avoid in third trimester unless essential.
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.
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 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 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 TRIGLIDE vs TRILIPIX, 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.. 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 TRIGLIDE 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 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 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 TRIGLIDE 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. 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. 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.