Fenofibrate is a peroxisome proliferator receptor alpha activator used to lower LDL-C, total-C, triglycerides, and Apo B, while increasing HDL-C in hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Fenofibrate is a fibrate that activates peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα) to alter lipid metabolism and treat primary hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia, and severe hypertriglyceridemia. Fenofibrate requires once daily dosing and has a half-life of 19-27 hours so its duration of action is long. Fenofibrate is completely hydrolyzed by liver carboxylesterase 1 to fenofibric acid. Fenofibric acid is either glucuronidated or has its carbonyl group reduced to a benzhydrol that is then glucuronidated. Glucuronidation of fenofibrate metabolites is mediated by UGT1A9. Reduction of the carbonyl group is primarily mediated by CBR1 and minorly by AKR1C1, AKR1C2, AKR1C3, and AKR1B1. 5-25% of a dose of fenofibrate is eliminated in the feces, while 60-88% is eliminated in the urine. 70-75% of the dose recovered in the urine is in the form of fenofibryl glucuronide and 16% as fenofibric acid.

Fenofibrate Metabolism Pathway References