Magnesium clofibrate

Magnesium clofibrate is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of organic compounds known as clofibrates. It is a drug used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids or lipoproteins in the blood.

Chemical Structure

Magnesium clofibrate is a salt of magnesium and clofibric acid. The chemical formula of magnesium clofibrate is C20H15Cl2MgO6. It consists of two clofibrate anions and one magnesium cation. The clofibrate anion is a carboxylate ester derived from clofibric acid, which is a chlorinated derivative of fibric acid.

Pharmacology

Magnesium clofibrate is a lipid-lowering agent that reduces serum triglyceride levels and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. It works by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a nuclear receptor that regulates lipid metabolism. Activation of PPARα by magnesium clofibrate leads to increased oxidation of fatty acids in the liver, resulting in decreased production of triglycerides and increased production of HDL cholesterol.

Clinical Use

Magnesium clofibrate is used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, particularly in patients with high triglyceride and low HDL cholesterol levels. It is also used in the management of familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder characterized by high cholesterol levels. However, its use is limited due to potential side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances and myopathy.

Side Effects

Common side effects of magnesium clofibrate include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also cause myopathy, a condition characterized by muscle weakness and pain. Rare but serious side effects include hepatotoxicity and cholelithiasis.

See Also

• Clofibrate
• Fibric acid
• Hyperlipidemia
• Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha