Indications
Zetia (active ingredient: ezetimibe) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Hyperlipidemia: Zetia is used as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) in patients with primary (heterozygous familial and non-familial) hyperlipidemia or mixed hyperlipidemia.
- Primary Hypercholesterolemia: Zetia, in combination with a statin, is indicated for the reduction of elevated total cholesterol and LDL-C levels in patients with primary (heterozygous familial and non-familial) hypercholesterolemia.
- Sitosterolemia: Zetia is used as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated sitosterol and campesterol levels in patients with homozygous familial sitosterolemia.
Zetia belongs to a class of drugs known as cholesterol absorption inhibitors, which work by decreasing the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine, thereby lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Uses and Dosage
Zetia (ezetimibe) should be taken in tablet form by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, typically once daily with or without food. If you are also taking a bile acid sequestrant, such as cholestyramine or colestipol, take Zetia at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking the bile acid sequestrant to prevent the products from binding to each other and reducing the absorption of the drug.
The recommended dosage of Zetia (ezetimibe) is 10 mg once daily as determined by healthcare providers based on the patient's specific medical condition and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider will determine the dosage of Zetia based on your specific medical condition and response to treatment. For individuals with moderate to severe liver impairment, Zetia is not recommended. Dosage adjustment may be necessary for patients with severely impaired kidney function.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Zetia (Ezetimibe):
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Inflamed sinuses
- Joint pain
- Pain in arms or legs
- Stomach pain
- Tired feeling
- Upper respiratory tract infection
Serious Side Effects of Zetia (Ezetimibe):
- Dark colored urine
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Muscle tenderness or weakness
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe fatigue
- Signs of liver problems
- Unusual tiredness
Form and Strength
Zetia (Ezetimibe) is available in the following forms and strength:
Zetia: Tablet
- 10 mg
Ezetimibe: Tablet
- 10 mg
Caution
- People who are allergic to ezetimibe or any of its ingredients should not take the medication.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should talk to their healthcare provider before using Zetia.
- Caution should be exercised when using Zetia and cyclosporine concomitantly due to increased exposure to ezetimibe.
- Individuals should inform their healthcare provider about any medical conditions they have or medications they are taking before beginning treatment with Zetia.
- Zetia may cause side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, tiredness, or joint pain. This is not a complete list, talk to a healthcare provider before taking Zetia or any other medication.
- Zetia may cause liver damage, so individuals with liver problems should be closely monitored while taking the medication.
- Caution should be taken when using Zetia and fibrates as this combination has shown an increased incidence of muscle-related side effects.
- Zetia is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and should be used in combination with other lifestyle interventions.
- Individuals taking Zetia should have their cholesterol levels monitored regularly to assess their response to treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Zetia be taken at the same time as statins or other cholesterol medications?
Yes, Zetia can be taken with statins or other cholesterol medications. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking Zetia with other medications.
How should I take Zetia?
Zetia is taken orally and typically prescribed at a dosage of 10 mg by mouth once per day with or without food.
How long does it take for Zetia to start working?
Zetia has a relatively quick onset of action, with some cholesterol-lowering effects seen within 2 weeks of beginning treatment.
Can Zetia be used alone, or must it be taken with other medications?
Zetia may be used alone, but it is generally used in conjunction with a low cholesterol/low-fat diet and exercise. It can also be used in combination with statins or other cholesterol-lowering medications.
Is Zetia safe for everyone to use?
As with any medication, Zetia is not without risk. People who are allergic to ezetimibe should not use Zetia.
Resources
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20153-ezetimibe-tablets
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/021445s019lbl.pdf
- https://www.goodrx.com/ezetimibe/what-is
- https://www.drugs.com/zetia.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-64336/zetia-oral/details
- https://www.rxlist.com/zetia-drug.htm
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