Ezetimibe
Ezetimibe
Ezetimibe is a medication primarily used to reduce high blood cholesterol levels. It functions by decreasing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. Ezetimibe is typically prescribed in combination with other lipid-lowering medications such as statins to enhance cholesterol reduction.
Mechanism of Action
Ezetimibe works by inhibiting the Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) protein, which plays a key role in the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. By blocking NPC1L1, ezetimibe reduces the amount of cholesterol delivered to the liver, thereby lowering the total cholesterol levels in the blood.
Clinical Use
Ezetimibe is often prescribed in combination with statins such as simvastatin, atorvastatin, and rosuvastatin. These combinations are used to treat dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by abnormal cholesterol levels. For instance, Ezetimibe/simvastatin and Ezetimibe/atorvastatin are commonly used combination drugs.
In cases where patients are unable to tolerate statins, ezetimibe can be combined with bempedoic acid, another lipid-lowering agent. The combination drug Bempedoic acid/ezetimibe is used to treat high cholesterol levels, offering an alternative for those with statin intolerance.
Side Effects
The use of ezetimibe is generally well-tolerated, but some common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, joint pain, and sinusitis. When taken in combination with statins, the risk of muscle pain, a known side effect of statins, may increase.