What it's for (Indications)
- Ezetimibe is indicated for lowering unusually high lipid levels in the blood, including primary hyperlipidemia and mixed hyperlipidemia.
- It is used to treat homozygous hereditary hypercholesterolemia, an inherited disorder characterized by high levels of cholesterol and lipids in the blood, and sitosterolemia, a genetic disorder marked by a buildup of plant sterols in the tissues and blood.
Dosage Information
| Type | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Standard | The recommended dose of Ezetimibe is one 10-mg tablet once daily, which can be administered with or without food. Ezetimibe may be administered concurrently with a statin (for primary hyperlipidemia) or fenofibrate (for mixed hyperlipidemia) for an incremental effect, following the dosing recommendations for the respective medications. If co-administered with a bile acid sequestrant, Ezetimibe should be taken at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after the administration of the bile acid sequestrant. |
Safety & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- Common side effects include headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disturbances.
- Other reported adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in some patients include arthralgia, dizziness, and increased gamma-glutamyltransferase levels.
- Serious adverse reactions such as liver enzyme abnormalities and rhabdomyolysis/myopathy have been reported and are detailed in the warnings section.
Serious Warnings
- Patients should be aware of several important warnings and precautions.
- Severe conditions such as rhabdomyolysis and myopathy, characterized by muscle weakness, tenderness, or soreness, may occur and should be reported to a doctor immediately.
- Liver enzyme abnormalities have been observed; Ezetimibe is not recommended for use in patients with existing liver diseases, and active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in hepatic transaminase levels are contraindications for Ezetimibe when combined with a statin.
- Pregnancy: Ezetimibe should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary and after consulting a doctor.
- When combined with a statin, Ezetimibe is contraindicated in pregnant women or those who may become pregnant due to the potential for fetal harm.
- Lactation: It is unknown whether Ezetimibe is secreted into breast milk; lactating females should consult their doctors before use.
- Driving: Drowsiness and weariness are possible adverse effects.
- Patients should not drive until they determine how Ezetimibe affects them.
- Kidney Disease: Individuals with kidney diseases should consult their doctors before using Ezetimibe.
- Alcohol: Interaction with alcohol is not known; consultation with a doctor before alcohol consumption is advised.
- Hypersensitivity: Inform your doctor if you have Ezetimibe hypersensitivity or allergy to its components.
- Anticoagulants: Caution is advised when Ezetimibe is taken with anticoagulants like warfarin, due to an increased risk of bleeding.
- Close monitoring of International Normalized Ratio (INR) and appropriate dose adjustments may be required.
- Pediatric Use: The safety and efficacy of Ezetimibe in children under the age of ten have not been clinically verified.
How it Works (Mechanism of Action)
Ezetimibe reduces blood cholesterol by inhibiting its absorption in the small intestine. In clinical studies, Ezetimibe inhibited intestinal cholesterol absorption by 54% compared to placebo. It has no clinically meaningful effect on the plasma concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, and E) and does not impair adrenocortical steroid hormone production. Its mechanism of action differs from other classes of cholesterol-reducing compounds.
Commercial Brands (Alternatives)
No other brands found for this formula.