Is ezetimibe a statin drug?

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Dec 18, 2023.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Can you take ezetimibe with other cholesterol lowering drugs?

No, ezetimibe is not a statin drug, it is from the drug class cholesterol absorption inhibitor

Ezetimibe and statins are cholesterol lowering drugs that work different ways to reduce cholesterol.

Ezetimibe has its effect in the small intestine where it blocks cholesterol from being absorbed, so there is less cholesterol being delivered to the liver.
Statins lower the amount of cholesterol and lipoproteins that the body produces, by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase. Statins also increase the LDL receptors on liver cells which increases the amount of LDL-cholesterol that can be absorbed out of the bloodstream and then the LDL-cholesterol is disposed of by being broken down.

Ezetimibe can be taken alone as a sole cholesterol lowering agent, or together with a statin or fenofibrate.

Bottom line:

Ezetimibe is not a statin medication, it is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor.
Ezetimibe,fenofibrate and statins are cholesterol lowering medications.
Ezetimibe can be taken together with statins or fenofibrate as their cholesterol lowering effects are complementary.
You should not use ezetimibe, with a "statin" cholesterol medicine if you have active liver disease or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby.

References

Ezetimibe Medication Information: https://www.drugs.com/ezetimibe.html
Fenofibrate Medication Information: https://www.drugs.com/fenofibrate.html

Does Zetia (ezetimibe) cause memory loss?

Memory loss is not a side effect of Zetia (ezetimibe) when it is used alone to treat high cholesterol. Zetia is often used with diet and other cholesterol lowering medications like statins which have been linked with cognitive impairment (memory loss, forgetfulness, or confusion). Continue reading

Can Zetia (ezetimibe) cause liver damage?

Yes, Zetia (ezetimibe) can cause liver damage, although it is very rare. Monitor liver enzymes for the development of serious toxic hepatitis and consider ezetimibe discontinuation if it develops. Perform liver tests during ezetimibe initiation and regularly thereafter and consider withdrawal of ezetimibe and/or the statin (if coadministered) should an increase in ALT or AST ≥3 X upper limit of normal (ULN) persist. Continue reading

How does Zetia (ezetimibe) work to lower cholesterol?

It reduces cholesterol absorption from the small intestine so there is less cholesterol delivered to the liver. This means there is a lower amount of cholesterol stored in the liver, which leads to more cholesterol being cleared from the blood. Continue reading

Is ezetimibe a statin drug?

Read next

Does Zetia (ezetimibe) cause memory loss?

Can Zetia (ezetimibe) cause liver damage?

How does Zetia (ezetimibe) work to lower cholesterol?

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