Zetia

Zetia is a prescription drug licensed 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, Zetia 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. Some common Zetia 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 Zetia?

Zetia is manufactured by both Merck and Schering-Plough.
 

What Is Zetia Used For?

Zetia has been licensed to treat several conditions. These Zetia uses include the treatment of:
 
  • 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 for Zetia.)

 

Zetia: How Does It Work?

Zetia is part of a class of drugs called cholesterol absorption inhibitors.
 Zetia works in the digestive tract by blocking the absorption of cholesterol from things that you eat.
 
Because of the effects of Zetia, the following forms of cholesterol and fats are decreased:
 
Zetia 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 if necessary (see BMI Calculator to find your ideal weight). This will decrease your risk of heart disease and the amount of medicine that 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.)
 
(Zetia Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;