Ezetimibe (Zetia) , Mechanism Of Action, Therapeutic Uses, Side effects

Ezetimibe (Zetia) 

Mechanism Of Action.

Ezetimibe acts within the intestine to reduce cholesterol absorption. Cholesterol is absorbed from the small intestine by a process that includes specific transporters that have not been completely characterized. Ezetimibe appears to block one or more of these cholesterol transporters, reducing cholesterol absorption.

Therapeutic Uses:

Ezetimibe used alone produces a reduction in plasma cholesterol of about 18 per cent and about 10 per cent decline in plasma triglycerides levels. When combined with a statin, reduction in plasma cholesterol as high as 72 per cent has been reported. 

Adverse effects.

Although well tolerated. Adverse effects include;

1. fatigue 

2. abdominal pain

3. diarrhoea