Ezetimibe(ee zet’ ah mibe)
Zetia
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Cholesterol absorption inhibitor
Cholesterol-lowering drug
Therapeutic Actions
Localizes in the brush border of the small intestine and inhibits the absorption of cholesterol from the small intestine; this leads to a decrease delivery of dietary cholesterol to the liver, which will then increase the clearance of cholesterol from the blood and lead to a decrease in serum cholesterol.
Indications
As an adjunct to diet and exercise to lower the cholesterol, LDL, and Apo-B levels in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia as monotherapy or in combination with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
In combination with fenofibrate as adjunct to diet to reduce elevated total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and nonHDL cholesterol levels in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia
In combination with atorvastatin or simvastatin for the treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia as adjuncts to other lipid-lowering treatments
As adjunctive therapy to diet for the treatment of homozygous sitosterolemia to reduce elevated sitosterol and campesterol levels
As an adjunct to diet for the reduction of elevated total cholesterol, LDL, and apolipoprotein B as monotherapy in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to any component of the drug. If given in combination with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, contraindicated with pregnancy, lactation, active liver disease, or unexplained persistent increases in serum transaminase, alkaline phosphorus levels.
In monotherapy, use cautiously in the elderly and with hepatic impairment, pregnancy, lactation.
Available Forms
Tablets—10 mg
