Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
TRILIPIX vs LIPIDIL
Clinician-reviewed, head-to-head comparison of mechanism, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles.
Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 · OpiCalc Medical Review Team
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.
LIPIDIL (fenofibrate) is a fibric acid derivative that activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha), leading to increased lipolysis and clearance of triglyceride-rich particles, and increased synthesis of apolipoproteins A-I and A-II.
Adjunctive therapy to diet for severe hypertriglyceridemia (Fredrickson types IV and V hyperlipidemia),Primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson types IIa and IIb)
Primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia (as adjunct to diet),Severe hypertriglyceridemia,Prevention of pancreatitis in patients with hypertriglyceridemia
135 mg orally once daily, not to exceed 135 mg/day.
130 mg orally once daily.
Terminal elimination half-life of fenofibric acid is approximately 20 hours (range 10-35 hours), allowing once-daily dosing.
Terminal elimination half-life of fenofibric acid is approximately 20 hours (range 15-25 hours). This supports once-daily dosing; steady-state is achieved after ~5 days.
Fenofibric acid is primarily metabolized via glucuronidation. It is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes.
Fenofibrate is metabolized primarily by glucuronidation; fenofibric acid is further metabolized via reduction to benzhydrol metabolite. Minor involvement of CYP450 enzymes, predominantly CYP3A4.
Primarily renal excretion as glucuronide conjugate and unchanged drug; ~60% of dose excreted in urine as fenofibric acid and its glucuronide, ~25% in feces.
Primarily renal excretion of glucuronide conjugates; approximately 70% of a single oral dose is recovered in urine (mostly as fenofibric acid glucuronide), and about 6% is excreted in feces.
Fenofibric acid is highly bound to plasma albumin (>99%).
Fenofibric acid is highly bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin, with >99% binding.
Apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) is approximately 0.9 L/kg, indicating distribution into extracellular fluid.
Apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) is approximately 0.9 L/kg, indicating distribution into total body water.
Absolute bioavailability of fenofibric acid from TRILIPIX is not determined; relative bioavailability compared to micronized fenofibrate is approximately 100% after oral administration.
Absolute bioavailability of fenofibrate (prodrug) is not determined; fenofibrate is rapidly converted to fenofibric acid with a relative bioavailability of approximately 81-96% compared to the micronized formulation when taken with food. Absorption is enhanced when taken with meals.
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.
GFR 30-89 m L/min: 130 mg once daily; GFR <30 m L/min: contraindicated.
Contraindicated in Child-Pugh Class B and C hepatic impairment. No dose adjustment specified for Child-Pugh Class A; use with caution.
Child-Pugh class A: 130 mg once daily; Child-Pugh class B or C: contraindicated.
Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients.
Not recommended for use in pediatric patients.
No specific dose adjustment recommended; select dose cautiously due to age-related renal function decline.
No dose adjustment required, but monitor renal function due to age-related decline.
There is no FDA-required black box warning for TRILIPIX.
There is no FDA black box warning for LIPIDIL.
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)
Hepatotoxicity: elevated liver enzymes reported; monitor liver function,Myopathy/rhabdomyolysis: increased risk when combined with statins or in renal impairment,Renal impairment: dose adjustment required; avoid in severe renal impairment,Cholelithiasis: increased bile cholesterol saturation may lead to gallstones, Pancreatitis: despite triglyceride reduction, pancreatitis can occur
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
Severe renal impairment (e GFR < 30 m L/min),Active liver disease including primary biliary cirrhosis,Pre-existing gallbladder disease,Hypersensitivity to fenofibrate or any component,Nursing mothers (due to potential for tumorigenicity in animal studies)
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.
Take with food to enhance absorption. Avoid high-fat meals that may exacerbate hypertriglyceridemia. Grapefruit juice has minimal interaction but caution is advised with statin combinations. Alcohol should be limited or avoided due to potential for elevated triglycerides and hepatotoxicity.
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.
Lipidil (fenofibrate) is contraindicated in pregnancy. Animal studies show fetal toxicity at high doses. Human data are insufficient, but risk cannot be excluded. First trimester: possible embryotoxicity; second and third trimesters: potential for fetal harm due to interference with lipid metabolism.
Not recommended. M/P ratio unknown; fenofibric acid is excreted in rat milk; potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants.
Contraindicated during breastfeeding. Fenofibrate is excreted in breast milk in animal studies; M/P ratio unknown in humans. Potential for serious adverse effects in breastfed infants, including interference with fatty acid metabolism.
No established dosing adjustments; pharmacokinetics in pregnancy unknown. Use lowest effective dose if necessary; avoid in third trimester unless essential.
Lipidil is contraindicated in pregnancy; no dose adjustment recommended. Therapy should be discontinued upon conception or if pregnancy is planned. There are no established dose adjustments for pregnant women due to lack of safety data.
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.
Lipidil (fenofibrate) is a PPARα agonist used primarily for severe hypertriglyceridemia and mixed dyslipidemia. Monitor renal function at baseline and periodically; reduce dose in CKD (e GFR <60 m L/min). Avoid in severe hepatic impairment or gallbladder disease. Combines with statins but increases risk of myopathy; monitor for muscle symptoms. May raise serum creatinine and homocysteine levels. Tablet should be swallowed whole; do not crush or chew.
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.
Take with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.,Avoid alcohol as it can worsen triglyceride levels and liver effects.,Report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness immediately.,Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, or gallbladder problems.,This medication may increase the effects of blood thinners (warfarin); monitor INR closely.,Do not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor.
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 TRILIPIX vs LIPIDIL, answered by our medical review team.
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.. LIPIDIL is a Fibrate Antilipemic that works by LIPIDIL (fenofibrate) is a fibric acid derivative that activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha), leading to increased lipolysis and clearance of triglyceride-rich particles, and increased synthesis of apolipoproteins A-I and A-II.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between TRILIPIX and LIPIDIL 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 TRILIPIX is: 135 mg orally once daily, not to exceed 135 mg/day.. The standard adult dose of LIPIDIL is: 130 mg orally once 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 TRILIPIX and LIPIDIL 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. 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. LIPIDIL is classified as Category C. Lipidil (fenofibrate) is contraindicated in pregnancy. Animal studies show fetal toxicity at high doses. Human data are insufficient, but risk cannot be excluded. First trimester: . Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.