Zetia

Zetia is commonly used for the treatment of several conditions, including high cholesterol and a rare genetic condition called sitosterolemia. Part of a class of drugs called cholesterol absorption inhibitors, the medication works by blocking the absorption of cholesterol from foods that you eat. Zetia comes as a tablet taken once a day, with or without food. Common side effects include fatigue, diarrhea, and headache.

 

What Is Zetia?

Zetia® (ezetimibe) is a prescription medication used for treating high cholesterol. It is part of a class of drugs called cholesterol absorption inhibitors.
 

Who Makes It?

Zetia is manufactured by both Merck and Schering-Plough.
 

What Is Zetia Used For?

This medication has been licensed to treat several conditions, such as:
 
  • High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), used either alone or in combination with other cholesterol medications
  • A rare genetic condition called sitosterolemia.
 
(Click Zetia Uses for more information, including possible off-labels uses.)
 

How Does It Work?

Zetia is part of a class of drugs called cholesterol absorption inhibitors.
 It works in the digestive tract by blocking the absorption of cholesterol from things that you eat.
 
Because of the drug's effects, the following forms of cholesterol and fats are decreased:
 
  • Total cholesterol
  • LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol)
  • Triglycerides (slightly).
     
The medication has little effect on HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) by itself.
 
If Zetia is prescribed, it should be used as a way to lower cholesterol. However, anyone with high cholesterol should also make certain lifestyle changes, including eating a low-cholesterol diet, getting regular exercise, and losing weight (see BMI Calculator to find your ideal weight). This will decrease your risk of heart disease and the amount of medicine you need to take.
 
(Click High Cholesterol Risk to see a list of risk factors that may affect your cholesterol level and some general guidelines about ideal LDL cholesterol levels.)
 

When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Zetia include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form and is taken once a day. While you should take your Zetia dosage with a glass of water, it may be taken with or without food.
     
  • It does not matter if Zetia is taken in the morning or at night. However, it should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Zetia will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Guidelines

The dose of Zetia your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Zetia Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Zetia

As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Zetia. Yet, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it well. In most cases, if side effects occur, they are usually minor and can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
The most common side effects include:
 
Also, keep in mind that if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness while taking Zetia -- especially if accompanied by a fever or feeling of illness -- it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately (see Zetia and Muscle Pain).
 
(Click Zetia Side Effects for more information, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Zetia can potentially interact with a number of other medicines (see Zetia Drug Interactions for more information).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Zetia?

Prior to taking the drug, tell your healthcare provider if you:
 
  • Have liver disease or liver failure
  • Have kidney disease or kidney failure
  • Have gallbladder disease or a history of gallstones
  • Drink alcohol regularly
  • Have any muscle problems
  • Have any allergies to medicines.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
  
(Click Zetia Precautions and Warnings for more information, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

If you happen to take too much Zetia, seek immediate medical attention.
 

How Should Zetia Be Stored?

This medicine should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Zetia as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose!
 

Available Strengths

Only one strength of Zetia is available -- Zetia 10 mg.
 

Generic Zetia

At this time, no generic versions of Zetia are available for sale (see Generic Zetia for more information).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;