ABSTRACT
Gemfibrozil is a new hypolipemic agent. Like other related hypolipemic drugs, gemfibrozil is a carboxylic acid, but its absorption is relatively independent of external factors which are otherwise characteristic of acidic drugs. It is very rapidly absorbed from the digestive system and intensely metabolized into several products, which results in its fast elimination from the body. Until recently, gemfibrozil was determined by gas chromatography requiring derivatization, which made its analysis quite complicated. At present, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) appears to be the method for choice for the analysis of this drug. It is a simple method, using ultraviolet detection. In an open crossover randomized trial in 10 healthy volunteers, the bioequivalence of two oral gemfibrozil preparations (Gevilon tablets, Parke Davis, Berlin) and gemfibrozil tablets (Lek, Ljubljana), both given in a daily dose of 2 × 450 mg, was assessed.
