Ezetimibe

Molecule Description

Ezetimibe is a medicine which is used to lower the increased levels of choleste

rol and triglyceride (fat-like substances) in the blood.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Ezetimibe

High cholesterol levels and for other lipid abnormalities.

Contraindications of Ezetimibe

When should one not use Ezetimibe

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Azetimibe. Also, it is not to be used with Statin (like Rosuvastatin) medicine if you have liver problems.

Side effects of Ezetimibe

Common side effects of this drug are:

Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Dizziness
Pain in hand or leg
Muscle or joint pain
Sore throat, nose block, sinus pain
Allergic reactions like- fever, chills, rash, hives, breathing difficulty, swelling over your face, lips or throat
Some cholesterol medicines may affect the kidneys by breaking down the skeletal tissue
Stop the medicine instantly and seek medical help right away in you experience the following symptoms:
Weakness
Muscle pain, spasms or tenderness
Fever
Tiredness
Dark urine
Increase in liver enzymes

Precautions and Warnings of Ezetimibe

Pregnancy

Can I take Ezetimibe during pregnancy?

It is unknown whether Ezetimibe can harm the unborn baby. Use additional birth control measures if you are taking this medicine along with Statin cholesterol medicine as these reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Ezetimibe while breastfeeding?

It is unknown whether it can pass into breast milk and affect the nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without informing your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Ezetimibe?

No influence on the ability to drive, but if you feel dizzy after taking this medicine, inform your doctor about this before driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Ezetimibe?

Be cautious while drinking alcohol with this medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You are suffering from any heart, kidney and liver diseases or if you have any thyroid disorder
Also mention to your doctor all the prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal preparations and nutritional supplements that you may be taking, before starting this medication (especially if ...
Read more

Mode of Action of Ezetimibe

How Does It Work?

Ezetimibe acts by blocking the cholesterol absorption receptor present in the small intestine leading to a decrease in absorption of cholesterol to the liver and thereby reduces liver cholesterol stor...

Interactions of Ezetimibe

Interactions with other medicines

Medicine used to lower cholesterol level like Fenofibrates
Blood thinners like Warfarin
Ciclosporin

Interactions with food items

No interactions with food have been reported. You can take it with or without food

Dietary Restrictions of Ezetimibe

No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Dosage of Ezetimibe

Overdose

One must always refrain from taking more than prescribed, of this medicine. Seek immediate medical attention if you take too much of this medicine.

Missed a Dose

Take missed dose as soon as you remember. If the missed dose falls at the time of your next scheduled dose, then skip it. Do not take an extra dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Ravi Kakarla

MBBS, MBA

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What else should I keep in mind while I take Ezetimibe?

A: Follow a healthy diet involving less fat and cholesterol, weight control program and exercise along with Ezetimibe therapy for optimum results.

Q: What are the typical gastrointestinal symptoms seen when taking this medicine?

A: The medicine can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, pancreatitis, inflammation of gall bladder.

Q: How is the medicine removed from the body?

A: The medicine is removed from the body through stools (78%) and through urine (11%).

References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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