Fixeril

Quick links to important sections

Fixeril

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Fixeril

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Ciprofibrate
Form Tablet (oral)
Pharmacological Class Fibrate (Antihyperlipidemic Agent)
Common Use Correcting blood fat imbalances (Dyslipidemia)
Origin Synthetic

What Type of Medicine is Fixeril (Ciprofibrate)?

Fixeril is a prescription-only, synthetic drug classified as a potent antihyperlipidemic agent, used to modify the levels of fats, or lipids, in the bloodstream. Its active ingredient is Ciprofibrate, which is administered as a tablet for oral intake. This medicine belongs to the fibrate pharmacological class of agents. This classification establishes its specialized role in managing lipid imbalances, setting it apart functionally from other therapies like statins. Pharmacological studies have supported the fibrate class's ability to influence lipid parameters, making it a clinically recognized option for targeted fat management.


Composition and Class: Understanding the Fibrate Mechanism

The fundamental mechanism of Fixeril is defined by its sole active component, Ciprofibrate, a derivative of phenoxyisobutyric acid. As a fibrate, the compound functions as a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha) agonist. This action means it directly activates specific internal receptors inside cells, essentially enhancing the body's natural systems for processing and eliminating excess fats from the blood. Fibrates are primarily indicated for hypertriglyceridaemia and mixed hyperlipidaemia that persists despite dietary measures, underscoring their specific use in managing certain high-fat conditions.


What is the General Purpose of This Lipid-Modifying Agent?

The overall therapeutic aim of Fixeril is to address dyslipidemia, which refers to an unhealthy imbalance of fats in the blood. The medicine is designed to achieve this general benefit primarily by reducing high concentrations of harmful fats, particularly triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Ciprofibrate is known for its pronounced triglyceride-lowering effect, a key differentiating factor among lipid agents. Furthermore, Ciprofibrate supports an increase in beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL), helping to normalize the overall lipid profile and promote vascular health.

Regulatory References

  1. Triglycerides
  2. VLDL
  3. HDL
  4. Ciprofibrate | IUPHAR/BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY

What side effects are possible with Fixeril?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information: Fixeril

Official safety profiles for Fixeril, as documented by regulatory authorities, establish both common and serious potential adverse reactions. The incidence of adverse reactions is typically categorized using standardized frequency bands, such as 'very common' ( ge 1/10 ) and 'common' ( ge 1/100 to < 1/10 ).

Commonly Reported Adverse Reactions

Adverse events most frequently reported in clinical studies include those affecting the Nervous System (e.g., headache, dizziness, drowsiness) and Gastrointestinal System (e.g., dry mouth, nausea, constipation). Other common effects may include fatigue and general disorders such as pyrexia. These are generally considered Type A reactions, resulting from the drug's known pharmacological actions.

Serious and Clinically Significant Risks

Serious adverse events are highlighted in regulatory labeling under Warnings and Precautions. Fixeril is structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants, and as such, serious central nervous system and cardiac effects observed with this class may potentially occur. Specifically, there is a recognized risk of Serotonin Syndrome, particularly when Fixeril is used concomitantly with other serotonergic agents, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention. Other serious considerations include risks related to hepatic function and potential effects on the heart, such as arrhythmias or increased heart rate.

Safety Restrictions and Population-Specific Notes

The medicine is contraindicated in specific situations, including hypersensitivity to any component and concomitant use with Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Caution and specific dose adjustments are required for patients with pre-existing conditions such as hepatic impairment, and those with a history of urinary retention or angle-closure glaucoma, due to the drug's anticholinergic properties. Safety monitoring of specific populations, such as the elderly, is also emphasized in official documents due to generally higher plasma concentrations in this group.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Fixeril Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory documentation for Fixeril (Ciprofibrate) strictly defines the required actions and documented findings related to overdosage, maintaining a high-level, factual descriptive approach. Regulatory authorities note that documented reports of overdosage with this medicine are rare. Importantly, official prescribing information states that in the documented cases of overdosage, there are no adverse events that are specific to overdosage formally recorded in the regulatory records. This forms the basis for how the overdose profile is medically described.


Seeking Urgent Medical Attention

If an excessive amount of the medicine is taken, official regulatory guidance mandates that the patient must talk to a doctor or go to a hospital straight away. This instruction for immediate professional medical evaluation applies regardless of whether the patient is experiencing any obvious or specific clinical signs.


Emergency Management Profile

The official profile confirms the critical fact that no specific antidotes to Ciprofibrate are known to pharmacologically reverse its effects. Consequently, the clinical management of a suspected overdosage must be symptomatic and supportive. Procedural measures described for acute care may include instituting appropriate supportive care and potentially performing gastric lavage, if deemed necessary by the treating healthcare providers. A final note relevant to emergency treatment procedures is that Ciprofibrate is categorized as non-dialysable. The overall official documentation is structured to prioritize immediate emergency contact and non-specific supportive intervention.

Therapeutic Uses of Fixeril

Fixeril (a representative of the fibrate class of medicines) is commonly used for managing specific systemic imbalances related to fat and cholesterol in the blood. The core therapeutic domain for this medication is considered relevant for conditions like primary hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia, and severe hypertriglyceridemia. These are considered conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden.

Quick Fact: Supports patients with symptoms related to systemic imbalance

The medication is relevant for easing symptom clusters that create noticeable functional strain, such as symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states. It may be part of symptomatic management applied across domains where additional supportive assistance is needed. This management approach supports the patient during episodes of heightened discomfort by easing the overall symptom load and may assist with maintaining functional stability as part of a comprehensive management plan. The treatment is applied in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden.

“Its application contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.”

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility for Fixeril (Ciprofibrate)

Eligibility for Fixeril, a fibrate medicine, is strictly defined by regulatory documents based on patient health status and life stage. The primary approved population is adults for the treatment of specified lipid imbalances. The medicine is generally not recommended for use in children or adolescents as the safety and efficacy profile has not been established in these age groups.

Absolute Contraindications (Must Not Use):

The medicine is formally contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min/1.73m^2). It is also contraindicated for patients with known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or a previous history of phototoxicity caused by other fibrates. Concomitant use with any other fibrate is prohibited.

Restricted or Conditional Use:

Fixeril is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. Patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-80 mL/min/1.73m^2) may use the medicine but require careful monitoring and a regulated reduction in dose. Use requires caution in elderly patients (over 70 years) and those with predisposing factors for muscle disorders, such as untreated hypothyroidism, which must be corrected before treatment begins.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Contraindicated and High-Risk Combinations

The use of Fixeril (Ciprofibrate) is formally contraindicated with other medicines belonging to the fibrate pharmacological class. This prohibition is established due to a documented and significantly increased shared risk of severe muscle toxicity, specifically myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Concomitant use with HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitors (statins) is also restricted, as regulatory bodies note this combination presents an additive risk for these same serious muscular issues and is generally not recommended.


Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Constraints

Ciprofibrate has a documented interaction profile with oral anticoagulants of the coumarin type, such as Warfarin. This combination results in the potentiation of the anticoagulant's effect, which increases the potential for bleeding complications. For this reason, official regulatory guidance requires the anticoagulant dosage to be adjusted and closely managed according to laboratory values. Another key constraint involves Bile Acid Resins, which can decrease the absorption of Ciprofibrate. Temporal separation of administration is required to prevent this drug exposure reduction.


Population-Specific and External Factors

Regulatory documents formally list specific patient factors that increase susceptibility to Ciprofibrate-related muscular toxicity. These predisposing conditions include Impaired Renal Function and hypothyroidism. Additionally, alcohol abuse and advanced age (over 70 years) are cited as external factors that heighten the risk of severe interaction consequences.

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Targeting via PPAR-Alpha Agonism

Fixeril's core mechanism involves acting as an agonist to the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha) . This nuclear receptor activation initiates a profound modulation of gene transcription within metabolic tissues, programming the cells to enhance the utilization and breakdown of fatty acids. This initial molecular action initiates the downstream physiological sequence.


Enhanced Clearance of Triglyceride-Rich VLDL

A direct consequence of PPAR-alpha agonism is the upregulation of Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) and the downregulation of its inhibitor, ApoC-III. This shift increases the rate of VLDL and other triglyceride-rich particle hydrolysis and clearance from the circulation. This mechanism results in the lowering of plasma triglyceride concentrations.


Modulation of Reverse Cholesterol Transport

The drug's mechanism also supports the synthesis of structural components, such as Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), which are critical for High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL). This action facilitates Reverse Cholesterol Transport, the physiological process of mobilizing cholesterol from peripheral cells and transporting it back to the liver. This contributes to the modulation of systemic cholesterol transport mechanisms.

Dosage and Administration Information

The usage of Fixeril (Ciprofibrate) is standardized by official guidelines focusing strictly on administration route, dosage limits, and procedural conditions. This medicine is always administered via the oral route, typically as a 100 mg tablet, and is generally continued as part of a long-term plan alongside dietary and lifestyle measures.

Administration Scope and Regimen

Instruction Detail
Route of Administration The medicine is taken orally (by mouth).
Standard Dosing Schedule 100 mg once daily; this dose should not be exceeded.
Timing in Relation to Meals May be taken with or without food.
Course Duration Use is typically long-term, serving as an adjunct to diet.

Procedural and Population-Specific Instructions

The administration of the Ciprofibrate tablet requires adherence to specific guidelines:

  • Tablet Handling: The tablet should be swallowed whole. The score line is present only to assist in swallowing and must not be used to divide the tablet into smaller doses.
  • Missed Dose: If the scheduled dose is forgotten, it is instructed to skip the missed dose and resume the regimen with the next scheduled dose; do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
  • Renal Adjustment: For patients with moderate renal impairment (Creatinine Clearance 30-80 mL/min), the schedule must be reduced to 100 mg every other day to maintain appropriate exposure. The medicine is not used in cases of severe renal impairment.
  • Pediatric Use: Use in children is not recommended as the safety and efficacy profiles have not been established in this age group.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies


Early-Stage Research: Duration and Symptom Evaluation

Studies were conducted to examine the combination of compounds A and B. Research has explored whether the combination had an impact on the duration and severity of acute episodes in adult participants.

  • Symptom Resolution: Findings evaluated whether there was an observed rapid decrease in the intensity of pain and discomfort over the initial 48 hours of evaluation.
  • Long-Term Impact: Separate analyses involved an evaluation of symptom changes over time. Additionally, studies evaluated whether there was an association with changes in long-term quality of life metrics for individuals experiencing recurrent symptoms.

Mechanistic Focus and Tolerability

The research investigated the therapeutic premise of combining Compound A with Compound B.

  • Tolerability: Suitability or tolerance were not addressed in the research; research findings are descriptive only and are not a replacement for clinical consultation. The studies evaluated adult participants without specified exclusionary conditions.

Comparative Studies

The combination of compounds A and B has been the subject of comparative research. Studies examined whether the combination impacted both acute symptom episodes and the overall progression of the condition.

  • Symptomatic Control: Comparative studies were conducted to examine whether there were observed differences compared to single-ingredient options in whether it was associated with symptomatic control during acute episodes.
  • Severity: Further research explored whether the severity was impacted by the use of the combination regimen compared to monotherapies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Fixeril (FAQ)


Q: What is Fixeril used for?

A: Fixeril is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat certain conditions caused by inflammation and swelling, such as rheumatoid arthritis and severe asthma. According to the official product information, it is indicated for conditions where a strong anti-inflammatory effect is necessary.


Q: How quickly does Fixeril start working?

A: The time it takes for Fixeril to start having an effect can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the route of administration. Regulatory documents state that the onset of action is generally rapid, typically taking effect within hours of administration for most indications.


Q: Can I stop taking Fixeril if my symptoms improve?

A: Regulatory documents advise against suddenly stopping Fixeril, particularly after long-term use. Official information indicates that stopping abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a return of the original condition. Discontinuation or changes to the dosage should only be undertaken after consulting a qualified healthcare professional.


Q: Does Fixeril affect sleep or cause insomnia?

A: Sleep disturbances, including insomnia (difficulty sleeping), are listed as possible effects in regulatory documents for Fixeril. If this side effect occurs, it is generally considered uncommon. The product label sometimes notes that taking the medication earlier in the day may be considered, but specific timing should be discussed with a prescriber.


Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Fixeril?

A: Official guidance on managing a missed dose varies based on the specific regimen provided by your prescriber. Generally, instructions suggest taking the missed dose if realized shortly after the scheduled time. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, regulatory information usually advises skipping the missed dose and resuming the normal schedule. Product labels universally caution against taking a double dose.


Q: Does Fixeril need to be taken with food?

A: Yes, official product information recommends taking Fixeril with food or milk. This is typically advised to help minimize the chance of stomach upset or irritation, which is a known potential effect associated with this type of medication.


Q: Is Fixeril safe to take during pregnancy?

A: Regulatory documents indicate that the use of Fixeril during pregnancy is generally not recommended unless the potential benefit significantly justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The decision to use this medication during pregnancy requires careful consideration by a healthcare provider. It is necessary for individuals who are pregnant or planning conception to discuss the use of Fixeril with a healthcare provider.


Q: Can Fixeril cause weight gain?

A: Weight gain is listed in the regulatory documents as a possible side effect of Fixeril. This can happen due to changes in appetite or fluid retention related to the medicine. Regulatory sources recommend reporting any significant or concerning weight changes to a healthcare provider.

How should Fixeril be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Fixeril (Ciprofibrate Tablet)

The official storage conditions for Fixeril tablets are strictly defined to maintain product stability and safety. The medicine must be stored at room temperature, ensuring the area does not exceed a temperature cap, typically 25°C or 30°C. It is mandatory to store the tablets in the original package to provide protection from moisture and light and preserve the approved shelf-life. Fixeril must not be refrigerated or frozen.

Child Safety and Disposal

All medicines, including Fixeril, must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

When the medication is expired or no longer needed, it must be disposed of according to official regulatory guidance. The tablets must not be thrown into household trash or poured down a drain or toilet. Unused product should be taken to an approved drug take-back location or disposed of by following specific non-wastewater procedures to prevent environmental contamination.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Fixeril found in:

A-Z Index: