Ezetimibe (By mouth)

e-ZET-i-mibe

Lowers high cholesterol levels.

Drug classes

Antihyperlipidemic (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Ezetimibe is used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride (fat-like substances) levels in the blood. Using this medicine may help prevent medical problems caused by such substances clogging the blood vessels.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Tablet

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

If you also use cholestyramine, take it at least 2 hours after or 4 hours before you take ezetimibe.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use this medicine together with a statin medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.

Some medicines can affect how ezetimibe works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:

Cyclosporine Cholestyramine Fenofibrate Gemfibrozil A blood thinner, such as warfarin

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ezetimibe.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or thyroid problems.

This medicine may cause myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, which are serious muscle problems.

Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Zetia

There may be other brand names for this medicine.