Modalim

How does it work?

Modalim tablets contain the active ingredient ciprofibrate, which is a type of medicine known as a fibrate. It is used to lower the levels of fats (lipids) called cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

For the sake of simplicity, there are two types of cholesterol; a 'bad' type called low density lipoprotein (LDL) and a 'good' type called high density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is deposited in the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease, while HDL actually protects the arteries against this.

Triglycerides are another type of 'bad fat' that increase the risk of hardened arteries.

Ciprofibrate works mainly by stimulating the action of two enzymes that breakdown triglycerides. These are called lipoprotein lipase (found in muscle and fat tissue) and hepatic lipase (found in the liver). Stimulating these enzymes increases the breakdown of triglycerides in the blood. Ciprofibrate also decreases the production of triglycerides by the liver. As a result of both these actions, ciprofibrate lowers the levels of triglycerides in the blood.

In addition, ciprofibrate decreases the production of LDL cholesterol by the liver, which causes the liver cells to take up excess LDL cholesterol from the blood. It also increases levels of HDL cholesterol. The overall effect is lowered levels of "bad fats" and raised levels of "good fats" in the blood.

Fibrates have an important role in the prevention of coronary heart disease. They reduce the risk of excess cholesterol and triglycerides being deposited in the major blood vessels of the heart (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis limits the amount of blood and therefore oxygen being carried to the heart muscle. This can cause chest pain (angina) and in severe cases can result in a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

This medicine is used when blood lipid levels cannot be lowered by diet and exercise alone. It is important to continue to follow a cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise regime while taking ciprofibrate. Discuss this with your doctor.

What is it used for?

High levels of fats such as cholesterol and/or triglycerides in the blood

Warning!

You should should continue to follow a cholesterol-lowering diet during treatment with this medicine. Discuss this with your doctor.

You should have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function (liver function tests) while taking this medicine. Symptoms that may suggest a problem with your liver include unexplained itching, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), unusually dark urine or pale stools, nausea and vomiting and abdominal pains. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms while taking this medicine.

This medicine may very rarely have side effects on the muscles. For this reason you should inform your doctor immediately if you experience any muscular symptoms such as pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness while taking this medicine, particularly if it is accompanied by a fever or feeling generally unwell. Your doctor may need to check for side effects on the muscles by taking a blood test to measure the level of a compound called creatinine kinase in your blood. If this is the case, the test should not be done following strenuous exercise.

Use with caution in

Elderly people

Decreased liver function

Decreased kidney function

A syndrome caused by kidney inflammation, characterised by a large amount of protein in the urine, swelling, weight gain and high blood pressure (nephrotic syndrome)

Low levels of the protein albumin in the blood (hypoalbuminaemia)

Underactive thyroid gland

People who drink large amounts of alcohol.

Not to be used in

Severely decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function

Pregnancy

Breastfeeding.

Rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactose deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption (Modalim tablets contain lactose).

There is insufficient information regarding the safety and efficacy of this medicine in children. It is not recommended for children.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established, therefore it should not be used by pregnant women. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Balance problems involving the inner ear (vertigo)

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhoea

Indigestion (dyspepsia)

Abdominal pain

Alteration in results of liver function tests

Skin reactions such as rash or itching

Pain in the muscles (myalgia)

Inflammation of the muscles (myositis)

Hair loss (alopecia)

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Impotence

Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved