What is ezetimibe (Zetia) used for?

Ezetimibe 10 mg tablets are indicated to treat high cholesterol. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is the “good” cholesterol, and LDL is the “bad” cholesterol. This medication works to lower the blood's total cholesterol and LDL levels. 

 Ezetimibe is approved for the following medical conditions: 

• Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia - a genetic condition that is characterized by a very high level of LDL (above 190 for adults and above 160 for children).
• Mixed hyperlipidemia - this condition can be passed down through families or idiopathic reasons (unknown causes); it is characterized by elevated levels of LDL and triglycerides (another type of fat in the blood). 
• Primary hypercholesterolemia  (high blood cholesterol)- primary hypercholesterolemia is usually due to genetic causes, while secondary hypercholesterolemia is typically due to other underlying diseases like diabetes or obesity.
• Homozygous familial sitosterolemia - this is a condition in which fatty substances (lipids) from nuts, vegetable oil, and other plant-based lipids accumulate in the blood and tissues.

Ezetimibe is used in patients who cannot lower their cholesterol with diet and exercise alone. 

Ezetimibe can be used as a monotherapy or with other cholesterol medications. This medication should be used as an adjunct to a cholesterol-lowering diet. 

This medication is not used to lose weight. 

Ezetimibe has not been shown to prevent cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke.

How does ezetimibe (Zetia) work?

Ezetimibe 10 mg tablets reduce the amount of cholesterol that your body absorbs; thus, it lowers the total cholesterol levels and LDL, the “bad” cholesterol in the blood. 

Ezetimibe’s mechanism of action is to inhibit the intestinal absorption of cholesterol at the brush border of the small intestine, leading to a decrease in the delivery of intestinal cholesterol to the liver, increasing the clearance of cholesterol from the blood

What is the dosage of ezetimibe (Zetia)?

There is no dose adjustment in geriatric patients or patients with mild liver disease or kidney disease. 

Ezetimibe must be used with caution for moderate to severe renal impairment if it is being co-administered with simvastatin 20 mg or higher. 

For moderate to severe hepatic impairment, ezetimibe is not recommended.

Typical adult dosing: 

• Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: Take 10 mg by mouth once daily
• Mixed hyperlipidemia/Primary hypercholesterolemia: Take 10 mg by mouth once daily
• Homozygous familial sitosterolemia: Take 10 mg by mouth once daily

Typical pediatric dosing for children 10 years or older:

• Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: Take 10 mg by mouth once daily
• Mixed hyperlipidemia/ Primary hypercholesterolemia: Take 10 mg by mouth once daily
• Homozygous familial sitosterolemia: Take 10 mg by mouth once daily