Vytorin Uses

Several conditions are treated with Vytorin. Uses include the treatment of high cholesterol and high triglycerides in the blood. Regular use can help the liver make less cholesterol and increase its ability to collect and get rid of LDL cholesterol. The medicine can also block the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines into the blood. Vytorin uses do not extend to children, nor are there off-label uses.

 

Vytorin Uses: An Overview

Vytorin® (ezetimibe/simvastatin) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions. These Vytorin uses are as follows:
 

Vytorin Uses for High Cholesterol or Triglycerides

Vytorin is used for treating high cholesterol in people who cannot lower cholesterol through lifestyle changes alone. The medication is generally successfuly in lowering total cholesterol and LDL ("bad cholesterol"), as well as in increasing HDL ("good cholesterol"). Vytorin has also been shown to lower triglyceride levels in the blood.
 

How Does Vytorin Work?

Vytorin combines two other medicines: simvastatin and ezetimibe.
 Simvastatin is part of a class of drugs called statins. Simvastatin works by blocking a particular enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. This causes the liver to make less cholesterol. It also increases the liver's ability to collect and get rid of LDL cholesterol.
 
Ezetimibe is part of a class of drugs called cholesterol absorption inhibitors. As the name implies, ezetimibe blocks the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines into the blood. By doing this, less cholesterol enters the body.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;