Ezetimibe

Generic name: ezetimibe
Brand name: Zetia
Drug class: Cholesterol absorption inhibitors

Dosage form: tablet
Root of administration: oral
Dose: 10 mg
Mechanism of action: Ezetimibe works by reducing the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs from your intestines. High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to form in your blood vessels which increases your risk of heart disease.
Drug usage cases: Ezetimibe is a medicine used to lower cholesterol in people who have high blood cholesterol.

Ezetimibe is used in patients who cannot control their cholesterol levels by diet and exercise alone.
Drug contraindications: You should not use ezetimibe if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• moderate to severe liver disease.

Ezetimibe is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old.

You should not use ezetimibe with a “statin” cholesterol medicine (Zocor, Lipitor, Crestor, and others) if:

• you have active liver disease;
• you are pregnant; or
• you are breastfeeding a baby.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to ezetimibe: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ezetimibe can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.

Warnings: Ezetimibe is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Some cholesterol medications should not be taken at the same time. If you take ezetimibe with another cholesterol medicine, follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.

You should not use ezetimibe if you have moderate to severe liver disease. You should not use this medicine with a “statin” cholesterol medicine if you have active liver disease

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.