What is Ezetimibe?
Zetia (Ezetimibe) is an oral medication used to treat high cholesterol and certain other conditions caused by elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. It belongs to a class of medications known as cholesterol absorption inhibitors, which work by blocking the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines into the bloodstream. By reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed, Ezetimibe helps lower LDL cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
What is Ezetimibe used for?
Ezetimibe is a medication that belongs to the class of cholesterol-lowering agents known as cholesterol absorption inhibitors (CAIs). It was approved by the US FDA in 2003 for use in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) or mixed dyslipidemia. Ezetimibe works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol from food and other sources, thereby reducing the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol in the bloodstream.
By preventing cholesterol reabsorption in the small intestine, ezetimibe helps to lower LDL cholesterol levels when used alone or in combination with a statin medication. Statins are another class of cholesterol-lowering agents that inhibit an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a key role in the production of cholesterol by the liver. Combining ezetimibe with a statin has been shown to have additive effects on LDL cholesterol reduction and can be an effective strategy for managing high cholesterol in patients who require further lipid-lowering therapy beyond what is achievable with a single agent.
Ezetimibe side effects
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Increased liver enzymes (ALT or AST)
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Pain in extremities
- Respiratory infection
- Sinusitis
- Taste loss
- Tenderness of the abdomen
Disclaimer
The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information provided here is based on general research and may not apply to individual circumstances. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any content on this website. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication or health routine.