Ezetimibe

Summary

Ezetimibe is a lipid lowering drug used to treat patients with high cholesterol levels. The drug works by blocking cholesterol absorption at the intestinal brush border. In lab testing, taking ezetimibe can lead to a slight rise in HDL levels, a strong fall in LDL levels, and a slight fall in triglyceride levels. Side effects of ezetimibe include diarrhea and liver damage.

Key Points

• Ezetimibe
  • Mechanism
    • Inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption
      • Inhibits sterol transporter at the small intestine brush border, preventing GI absorption
      • decreases hepatic stores of cholesterol
  • Clinical Use
    • Lipid Lowering Agent
      • Primarily used in conjunction with statins
  • Labs
    • ↓↓ LDL
    • ↑/- HDL
    • ↓/- Triglycerides
  • Side Effects
    • Hepatotoxicity (rare)
      • Risk elevated when used in conjunction with statins
      • Can elevate AST or ALT levels
    • Diarrhea (steatorrhea)
      • Due to malabsorption of cholesterols in food
      • Can lead to other symptoms of GI upset (nausea, abdominal pain)