Elimination half-life is approximately 1.5 hours. Gemfibrozil should be used cautiously in patients with hepatic disease, especially primary biliary cirrhosis, since it can decrease clearance of the drug. In patients with biliary cirrhosis, further elevations of serum cholesterol can occur. Gemfibrozil elimination is reduced in patients with renal impairment. Lower doses should be considered in these patients.
Gemfibrozil is related to clofibrate, which has been associated with gallbladder disease.
Although the association between gemfibrozil and gallbladder disease is less defined, gemfibrozil should be used cautiously in this patient group because these patients had a higher mortality. Since safety and efficacy in children under 18 years of age has not been demonstrated, gemfibrozil is contraindicated in pediatric patients. Gemfibrozil has been shown to have detrimental effects on fetal growth and development in laboratory animals. Adequate or well-controlled studies have not been done in humans. Use of gemfibrozil during pregnancy should be avoided unles the potential benefits justify the potential risks to the fetus.