How does Zetia (ezetimibe) work to lower cholesterol?
How effective is Zetia in lowering cholesterol?
Zetia (ezetimibe) is a cholesterol lowering medication from the class of drugs called cholesterol absorption inhibitors.
The way Zetia (ezetimibe) works is 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 and results in lower blood cholesterol levels.
How effective is Zetia in lowering cholesterol?
In a clinical study comparing Zetia (ezetimibe) to a placebo, Zetia was effective in decreasing cholesterol absorption from the small intestine by 54%.
Zetia can be taken as a sole cholesterol lowering medication, or Zetia can be prescribed together with other cholesterol lowering medications including statins or fenofibrate. You should not take Zetia together with a statin medicine if you have active liver disease or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby. These additional cholesterol lowering drugs have a complementary lipid lowering effect, as they work in a different way to Zetia to reduce cholesterol levels.
Zetia should be taken in conjunction with lifestyle changes including cholesterol lowering diet, exercise and a weight management plan.
Bottom line:
- Zetia is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor.
- Zetia lowers cholesterol by reducing the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed from the small intestine.
- In a clinical study Zetia reduced cholesterol absorption from small intestine by 54%.
References
- Zetia Prescription Information: https://www.drugs.com/pro/zetia.html
Read next
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
Is Zetia a statin drug/medication?
No, Zetia is not a statin drug. Zetia reduces blood cholesterol in a different way to statin medications. Zetia lowers cholesterol levels by decreasing the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed from the small intestine, so that there is less intestinal cholesterol delivered to the liver. Continue reading
See also:
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