GENERIC NAME— Ezetimibe
BRAND NAME(s)— Zetia
What is Zetia (Ezetimibe)?
Zetia is a medication used to treat high blood cholesterol. It is used alone or together with other medications such as statins or fibrates.
It works by reducing the cholesterol your body absorbs from diet. Reducing cholesterol may help to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Zetia Dosage:
Usual adult dose of Zetia for hyperlipidemia and sitosterolemia is 10 mg once a day with or without meal. [Trusted Source 1]
Interactions:
Tell your doctor or health care provider about all medications that you’re currently taking. Do not start or stop any medication with your doctor’s guidance, especially [Trusted Source 1] [Trusted Source 2] [Trusted Source 3] —
- Some vitamins
- Cyclosporine
- Coumarin Anticoagulants
- Fibrates
- Fenofibrate
- Cholestyramine
- Herbal products
- Some prescription medicines
- Blood thinner such as Coumadin, Warfarin, Jantoven
Zetia Side Effects:
Common side effects of Zetia may include [Trusted Source 1] [Trusted Source 2] —
- Diarrhea
- Muscle or joint pain
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
- Sinus pain
- Pain in arm or leg
The medication may increase the chance of liver or muscle damage when taken with statin or fibrate.
Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms [Trusted Source 1] —
- Muscle pain or tenderness
- Weakness
- Signs of liver problems such as persistent nausea or vomiting, severe stomach or abdominal pain, yellowing eyes or skin (jaundice) or dark urine
Precautions:
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or if you have a history of any other allergy.
Before using Zetia, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially of [Trusted Source 1] [Trusted Source 2] [Trusted Source 3] —
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid disorder
It is not recommended to take this medicine during pergnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Ask your doctor if you pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
It is not clear whether this medication passes into the breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breast—feeding.
What Happens If I Missed A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost the time for next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What Happens If I Take An Overdose?
Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1—800—222—1222.
What Should I Avoid While Using Zetia?
It is advisable to avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. This medicine will not be as effective if you do not follow a cholesterol—lowering diet plan.
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