Ezetimibe Overview
Ezetimibe reduces the amount of cholesterol which is absorbed from the intestine. Cholesterol in the intestine is found in bile made by the liver. Cholesterol is also found in the foods that we eat. People who take Ezetimibe will usually need a low fat diet to help reduce the amount of cholesterol in their blood. Ezetimibe is usually taken in addition to other medicines which also help to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a type of fatty substance found in the blood both absorbed form food and synthesized in the liver. There are good (HDL) and bad (LDL) types of cholesterol based on whether they lead to a build up of plaques in the blood vessels which can cause heart attacks and strokes. Ezetimibedecreases the production of LDL cholesterol by blocking the action of the enzyme in the liver (called HMG-CoA reductase) that is responsible for its production. This decreases the amount of cholesterol in the liver cells, which causes them to take up LDL cholesterol from the blood. The decreased cholesterol production and increased removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood ultimately results in lowered blood cholesterol levels. Ezetimibe and lifestyle changes reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke or angina.
What is Ezetimibe used for?
Ezetimibe is used to lower cholesterol in people who have high levels either due to genetics (familial hypercholesterolaemia) or as a result of diet and lifestyle. It is also used to reduce the need for medical procedures to open blocked blood vessels. It is also used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood vessel blockage, or chest pain caused by angina.
How to take Ezetimibe? Dosage and Usage:
Ezetimibe is taken orally in the form of a tablet. The dose range for is 5-80 mg/day given preferably in the evening. The usual staring dose is 20-40 mg once daily. Dose adjustments are made at weekly intervals. Ezetimibe can be taken at any tine of the day with or without food, but preferably at the same time every day. Healthy diet with little fat and exercise are also important.
- Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Ezetimibe.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Ezetimibe and lead to potentially dangerous effects
- Ezetimibe is currently not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Preparation:Tablets: 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg.
Common Ezetimibe Side Effects
Get emergency medical helpif you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:
- muscle aches
- dark red urine
- fever or chills
- difficulty breathing
- diarrhoea
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue
- tiredness, lack of energy or weakness
- dizziness.
- allergic skin rash.
- liver disorders.
Uncommon Side Effects of Ezetimibe
Stop using Ezetimibeand call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- allergic reactions
- muscle disorders
- hepatitis: inflammation of the liver and characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ
- pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas
- itching
- joint pain
- rash
- sensitivity to light
- hives
- fatigue.