Zetia is manufactured by both Merck and Schering-Plough.
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.
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. It is unique in that it works just at the "brush border" of the small intestine. Because less cholesterol is delivered from the digestive tract to the liver (which depletes the liver's stores of cholesterol), the liver reacts by taking cholesterol out from the blood, helping to
reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.
Because of the drug's effects, the following forms of cholesterol and fats are decreased:
The medication has little effect on
HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) by itself.
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.
- For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Zetia will not work if you stop taking it.
There is only one standard Zetia dosage, regardless of your age, weight, or other medical conditions. As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
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.)
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
- Have any muscle problems
- Have any allergies to medicines.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
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.
What If I Take an Overdose?
If you happen to take too much Zetia, seek immediate medical attention
(see Zetia Overdose).
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.
Only one strength of Zetia is available --
Zetia 10 mg tablets.
At this time, no generic versions of Zetia are available for sale
(see Generic Zetia for more information).
