Ezetimibe

Generic Name: ezetimibe

Dietary Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Ezetimibe

Ezetimibe is a lipid-lowering compound that selectively inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption. Available as 10 mg white to off-white capsule-shaped tablets.

Overview

Ezetimibe is a lipid-lowering compound that selectively inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption. Available as 10 mg white to off-white capsule-shaped tablets.

Uses

Used to reduce elevated LDL-C in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, alone or with statins. Also indicated for pediatric patients (10 years and older) with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, combination use with fenofibrate for mixed hyperlipidemia, and homozygous familial sitosterolemia.

Dosage

Recommended dose is 10 mg orally once daily with or without food. Administer at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after bile acid sequestrants. Assess LDL-C as early as 4 weeks after initiating therapy.

Side Effects

Common reactions in monotherapy (2% or greater vs placebo): upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, arthralgia, sinusitis, pain in extremity, fatigue, influenza. With statins: nasopharyngitis, myalgia, upper respiratory tract infection, arthralgia, diarrhea.

Interactions

Cyclosporine increases ezetimibe exposure (240% AUC increase). Bile acid sequestrants reduce ezetimibe exposure by 55%. Fibrates (except fenofibrate) not recommended. Minimal cytochrome P450 interactions.

Warnings

Risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis when combined with statins or fibrates. Liver enzyme abnormalities may occur. Perform liver testing as clinically indicated. Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to ezetimibe or excipients.

Pregnancy

Insufficient human data. Animal studies showed no adverse effects at doses up to 150X human exposure. Not recommended in nursing mothers; ezetimibe present in animal milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ezetimibe used for?

Used to reduce elevated LDL-C in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, alone or with statins. Also indicated for pediatric patients (10 years and older) with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, combination use with fenofibrate for mixed hyperlipidemia, and homozygous familial sitosterolemia.

What are the side effects of Ezetimibe?

Common reactions in monotherapy (2% or greater vs placebo): upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, arthralgia, sinusitis, pain in extremity, fatigue, influenza. With statins: nasopharyngitis, myalgia, upper respiratory tract infection, arthralgia, diarrhea.

Can I take Ezetimibe during pregnancy?

Insufficient human data. Animal studies showed no adverse effects at doses up to 150X human exposure. Not recommended in nursing mothers; ezetimibe present in animal milk.

What are the important warnings for Ezetimibe?

Risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis when combined with statins or fibrates. Liver enzyme abnormalities may occur. Perform liver testing as clinically indicated. Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to ezetimibe or excipients.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.