What is Ezetimibe: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Ezetimibe is a generic cholesterol-lowering drug that can be used alone or in combination with other cholesterol drugs. Ezetimibe lowers “bad” cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), total cholesterol, and fats while raising “good” cholesterol levels. It works by preventing the digestive system from absorbing cholesterol from food. Doses are taken as tablets once daily.
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Ezetimibe overview
BRAND NAMES:
Zetia
Generic Names:
Ezetimibe
Uses:
Lowers high cholesterol levels
Therapeutic Classes:
Antihyperlipidemic, sterol transport inhibitor
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Ezetimibe used for?
Healthcare professionals use ezetimibe to treat high cholesterol in adults with high fat levels in the blood (hyperlipidemia). They also prescribe it to adults and children for hereditary high cholesterol (homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia) or hereditary high plant fat levels in the blood (homozygous sitosterolemia).
What form(s) does Ezetimibe come in
Tablet
10 mg
What are common Ezetimibe doses?
For high cholesterol, familial high cholesterol, or homozygous sitosterolemia: 10 mg tablet taken once daily
Common Ezetimibe prescriptions
Ezetimibe
10mg tablet
How to take Ezetimibe
Take your medicine as directed.
Please read the Patient Information sheet that comes with the tablets.
Take all other prescribed cholesterol medications as instructed.
A statin or fenofibrate dose can be taken at the same time as the ezetimibe dose.
Any dose of a bile acid sequestrant such as cholestyramine or colestipol must be taken at least four hours before or two hours after the ezetimibe dose.
Follow all the doctor’s instructions about diet and exercise.
The tablet can be taken with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water.
Store ezetimibe tablets at room temperature protected from moisture.
What to do if you miss a dose of Ezetimibe
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Ezetimibe contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
People who have had an allergic reaction to ezetimibe should not take it again.
Ezetimibe warnings
The prescriber will need regular blood tests to monitor the effects and success of ezetimibe treatment. Keep all appointments.
Before taking ezetimibe, make sure the prescriber knows if you:
Are pregnant
Are breastfeeding
Have liver problems
Ezetimibe can cause serious problems including:
Liver dysfunction
Muscle pain
Muscle damage
Muscle pain and muscle damage usually happen when people are taking ezetimibe with a statin or fenofibrate.
Ezetimibe interactions
To avoid possible drug interactions, tell the prescriber about all the medications and supplements you regularly take, particularly:
Bile acid sequestrants
Drugs called fibrates
The immune suppressant cyclosporine
Inform other prescribers you are taking ezetimibe before they prescribe new medications.
Ezetimibe side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a serious side effect including:
Muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, tiredness, dark urine
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Allergic reaction: Itching, hives, severe skin rash, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, fainting, racing heartbeat, flu symptoms
Less serious side effects
Runny nose, sore throat
Diarrhea
Headache
Sources:
Ezetimibe, StatPearls
Ezetimibe drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
Ezetimibe tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Zetia ezetimibe tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
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