Bezafibrate
Bezafibrate is a lipid-lowering medication belonging to the fibrate class, used to treat elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is primarily prescribed for patients with hypertriglyceridemia and mixed dyslipidemia who have not responded adequately to diet and exercise modifications. The medication works by activating specific receptors in the liver to reduce fatty acid production and enhance the breakdown of lipid particles in the blood.
Bezafibrate is a fibrate medication used to lower elevated triglycerides and cholesterol levels in patients with lipid disorders.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C10AB02
- RxNorm
- 1525
- Generic
- Bezafibrate
- Class
- atc-c10
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks, consider discontinuation before conception
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesterdiscontinue use
discontinue before third trimester due to potential risk of bleeding in mother and fetus
fetal well-being monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
do not breastfeed while taking bezafibrate, discontinue drug or stop breastfeeding
monitor infant for any adverse effects if exposure occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower dose
start with reduced dose and monitor renal function closely, consider age-related decline in renal and hepatic function
regular renal function monitoring, liver enzyme checks, and lipid panel assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
not recommended for use in children and adolescents due to limited safety and efficacy data
no established monitoring protocol for pediatric population
renal_impairment
mild moderatedose reduction required
reduce dose to 200mg daily in mild renal impairment, avoid in moderate impairment or reduce to 200mg every other day
monitor serum creatinine and calculate creatinine clearance regularly, monitor for muscle-related adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid use
contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min)
regular renal function monitoring if used off-label
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use
contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment due to metabolism in liver
liver function tests before and during treatment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information bezafibrate has been available since the 1980s in Europe
Bezafibrate belongs to the fibrate class of lipid-lowering medications and is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha) agonist
Common uses
Bezafibrate is primarily used to treat elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism of bezafibrate
Bezafibrate is indicated for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia and mixed dyslipidemia when dietary measures alone are insufficient. It is particularly effective at lowering elevated triglyceride levels and may provide modest improvements in LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels.
Bezafibrate works by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) in liver cells. This activation increases the activity of lipoprotein lipase, enhances fatty acid oxidation, and reduces the production of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) by the liver, ultimately leading to decreased circulating triglyceride levels.
Bezafibrate is typically taken 2-3 times daily with meals. Common side effects may include gastrointestinal symptoms, muscle pain, and elevated liver enzymes. Patients should report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, as fibrates can rarely cause muscle-related complications. Regular monitoring of lipid panels and liver function is recommended during treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy