What is Ezetimibe-atorvastatin?
Ezetimibe and Atorvastatin is a fixed-dose combination medication containing the cholesterol-lowering agents Ezetimibe and Atorvastatin. It works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines and reducing its production in the liver, thereby lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol levels in the blood.
What is Ezetimibe-atorvastatin used for?
Zetia (ezetimibe) and Lipitor (atorvastatin) are two separate medications that have been combined into a single tablet under the brand name Vytorin. However, there is another medication called Ezetimibe-Atorvastatin which contains the combination of ezetimibe and atorvastatin in a fixed dose.
Ezetimibe belongs to a class of drugs known as cholesterol absorption inhibitors. It works by preventing the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines into the bloodstream, thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol available for transport to the liver. This leads to an overall decrease in circulating LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
Atorvastatin, on the other hand, is a statin medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for producing cholesterol in the liver. By reducing the liver’s production of cholesterol, atorvastatin lowers circulating LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increases HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
When used together, ezetimibe-atorvastatin combination therapy is aimed at lowering elevated LDL cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular events by reducing the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and other heart-related complications.
Ezetimibe-atorvastatin side effects
- Abdominal pain
- Allergic reactions (hives, itching)
- Angioedema
- Back pain
- Blood pressure changes
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dyspepsia
- Fatigue
- Flushing
- Headache
- Hiccup
- Hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Increased bleeding time
- Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis with concurrent use of other statins or certain medications
- Insomnia
- Itching
- Liver enzymes increased
- Muscle pain or cramps
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
- Pain in extremities
- Pruritus
- Psychiatric disorders (such as depression, anxiety)
- Skin rash
- Sleep disorder
- Stomach upset
- Tenderness
- Vertigo
Disclaimer
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