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Lipid-lowering agent (cholesterol absorption inhibitor)

Ezetimibe: uses, side effects & precautions

Also known as Zetia, Ezetrol.

Esta información es solo orientativa de carácter general y no constituye un consejo médico. Consulta siempre a un profesional sanitario cualificado para cualquier asunto médico personal. En caso de emergencia, llama al número de emergencias de tu zona.

What it is used for

  • High cholesterol (raised LDL)
  • Used alone or together with a statin when a statin is not enough or not tolerated
  • Some inherited high-cholesterol conditions

How it works

Ezetimibe reduces the amount of cholesterol the gut absorbs from food and from bile. With less cholesterol coming in, blood cholesterol falls. It works in a different way from statins, so the two are sometimes combined.

How it is taken

Usually supplied as oral tablets, generally taken once a day with or without food. It may be taken on its own or with a statin, sometimes as a single combined tablet. Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist directs and as written on the label.

No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.

Common side effects

  • Diarrhoea
  • Tummy pain
  • Tiredness
  • Muscle or joint aches
  • Cold-like symptoms

Serious effects — get help

  • Severe, unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness (more likely when combined with a statin) - seek urgent care
  • Signs of liver problems: yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain
  • Serious allergic reaction: facial or throat swelling, trouble breathing, severe rash
  • Signs of pancreas problems: severe upper tummy pain spreading to the back

If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.

Interactions to watch

  • Statins (combined use needs monitoring for muscle effects)
  • Ciclosporin
  • Bile-acid binding medicines such as cholestyramine (space them apart)
  • Fibrates (may increase risk of gallstones)
  • Blood thinners such as warfarin (may need monitoring)

Who should take care

  • Tell your clinician if pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Report any liver disease, especially if also taking a statin
  • Mention any past muscle problems
  • Share your full medicine list to check for interactions

Frequently asked questions

How is ezetimibe different from a statin?
A statin lowers how much cholesterol the body makes, while ezetimibe lowers how much cholesterol the gut absorbs. They are sometimes used together for a bigger effect.
Can I take it instead of a statin if statins upset me?
Ezetimibe is sometimes used when statins are not tolerated, but the choice depends on your heart risk. Your clinician will decide the best option for you.
Do I still need to watch my diet?
Yes. A heart-healthy diet works together with the medicine, not as a replacement for it.
Should I space it apart from other medicines?
Certain medicines such as bile-acid binders should be taken a few hours apart from ezetimibe. Ask your pharmacist about timing.
Is Ezetimibe safe to take?
For most people it is safe when taken exactly as a doctor or pharmacist advises and as printed on the label. Tell your clinician about your other medicines and health conditions, and seek urgent care for any serious reaction.

Related conditions

Related medicines

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