Bolutol.
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Bolutol Indications
Bolutol can be indicated to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in people who have failed to respond to weight loss, diet, exercise, and other triglyceride- or cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Bolutol contains the active ingredient gemfibrozil, which is a type of drug known as a fibrate. It works by reducing the production of fats by the liver. These lipids include cholesterol and triglycerides.
Bolutol increases the breakdown of triglycerides already present in the body. It decreases the production of triglycerides by the liver. This lowers triglyceride levels.
Bolutol is only indicated when blood lipid levels cannot be lowered by diet and exercise alone. It is important to follow a diet and exercise regime when taking gemfibrozil.
Bolutol is prescribed, along with a special diet, for treatment of people with very high levels of serum triglycerides (a fatty substance in the blood) who are at risk of developing pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and who do not respond adequately to a strict diet.
Bolutol lowers LDL cholesterol by increasing the amount which is expelled from the gall bladder in the bile. In addition, it increases the levels of HDL cholesterol. The overall result of this is lowered levels of "bad fats" and raised levels of "good fats".
Cholesterol is one of the body's fats. Cholesterol and triglycerides are important building blocks in the structure of cells and are indicated in making hormones and producing energy. To some extent, the cholesterol level in blood depends on what you eat but it is mainly dependent on how the body makes cholesterol in the liver.
Fibrates have an important role in the prevention of heart disease. They reduce the risk of fats being deposited in the major blood vessels of the heart. Any blockage in the blood vessels limits the amount of blood and therefore oxygen being carried to the heart muscle. In severe cases this can result in a heart attack.
For the sake of simplicity, there are two sorts of cholesterol a 'bad' sort called low density lipoprotein and a 'good' sort called high density lipoprotein. LDL is deposited in the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease, while HDL actually protects the arteries against this. Triglycerides can be considered as 'bad' fats they contribute to the risk of heart disease.
Having too much cholesterol in the blood is not a disease in itself, but can lead to the hardening and narrowing of the arteries.
Bolutol is indicated for the treatment of:
- Prevention of coronary heart disease in men aged 40-55 with hyperlipidaemia that has not responded to diet or other measures;
- High levels of fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood;
Bolutol Side Effects
Bolutol side effects that you should report to your health care professional or doctor as soon as possible:
- Abdominal pain;
- Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash;
- Acute appendicitis;
- Blurred vision;
- Constipation;
- Diarrhea;
- Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain;
- Dizziness;
- Eczema;
- Excess gas in the stomach and intestines;
- Fatigue;
- Headache;
- Impotence;
- Indigestion;
- Inflammation of the pancreas;
- Itching;
- Muscle breakdown;
- Muscle pain and weakness;
- Nausea/vomiting;
- Rapid and irregular beating of the heart;
- Rash;
- Severe swelling of lips, face or tongue;
- Vertigo;
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes;
Bolutol Dosage
CHILDREN
Safety and effectiveness of Bolutol have not been established for use in children.
ADULTS
The recommended dose is 1,200 mg divided into 2 doses, given 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals.
OLDER ADULTS
Bolutol should be indicated with caution by older adults.
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