Ezetimibe
Generic Details
Generic Name
Ezetimibe
Other Names
- Zetia
Drug Class
- Antihyperlipidemic
Chemical Formula
C24H21F2NO3S
Molecular Weight
419.49 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibition of cholesterol absorption in the small intestine
Indications
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Familial hypercholesterolemia
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
Typical Dosage
- 10 mg orally once daily
Pediatric Dosage
Geriatric Dosage
Side Effects
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Myalgia
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to ezetimibe
- Active liver disease
Pregnancy Category
- C
Lactation Safety
- Possibly unsafe - Limited data available
Drug Interactions
- Cyclosporine
- Fibrates
- Statins
Overdose Symptoms
- No specific symptoms reported
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration
- Distribution: Highly distributed in the body, primarily in the liver
- Metabolism: Metabolized in the small intestine and liver
- Excretion: Primarily excreted in the feces
Precautions
- Monitor liver function tests during therapy
Warnings
- Risk of liver enzyme abnormalities and mild elevations in creatine kinase
Others
- Ezetimibe is often used in combination with statins for better efficacy in lowering cholesterol levels.