Zetia
Ezetimibe
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Zetia
Zetia is an antihyperlipidemic (hypolipidemic) agent. It acts by reducing the amount of cholesterol or other sterols that your body absorbs from your diet. Cholesterol is mainly responsible for cardiovascular problems.
Therapeutic Uses of Zetia
Zetia is used in treatment of high blood cholesterol, usually along with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. It is also used to treat high blood sitosterol and campesterol along with diet therapy.
Direction of use of Zetia
Use Zetia as per direction of your doctor or as follows:
- Zetia is taken by mouth and can be taken on empty stomach or on full stomach.
- Take it regularly at the same time daily. Taking Zetia at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
- Continue to use Zetia even if you feel well without missing a dose of it.
- If you also take a bile acid sequestrant like cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipoletc. You should not take it within, 4 hours before or 2 hours after taking Zetia. Check with your doctor if you have questions.
If You Miss a Dose of Zetia
If you miss a dose of Zetia, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time.
How to Store Zetia
Zetia should be stored at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) can be done without any problem. Store it away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zetia out of the reach of children and away from pets.
More Information About Zetia
Zetia is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. Do not use it for other medical conditions. If you have any question you should ask your doctor. You may not see any overt benefit of taking this medicine, but keep taking it.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Zetia
Do not use Zetia if you are suffering from any of the medical conditions listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any ingredient in Zetia.
- If you are suffering from moderate to severe liver problem.
Important notes on Zetia:
- Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks that need constant monitoring and attention like heavy machine operation, until you know how you react to it.
- For best results, Zetia should be used along with exercise, low cholesterol and low fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. You may not get desired result if you do not include the above regimens with the medicine.
- If you experience unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, you should consult your doctor.
- Lab tests, like liver function test, and cholesterol levels, may be performed while you are on Zetia. These tests may be used to monitor your condition as well as to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Zetia should not be used in children younger than 10 years old as the safety and effectiveness of Zetia in these children have not been established.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use Zetia if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zetia while you are pregnant. It is not known if Zetia is found in breast milk. If you are breast feeding or will be breast-feeding while you use Zetia, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible Adverse Effects of Zetia
- Consult your doctor if any of the most common and minor side effects of Zetia persist or become bothersome. The common and mild side effects of Zetia are diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea, joint pain, sinus inflammation, sore throat, stomach pain, generalized tiredness etc.
- Get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the severe and uncommon side effects of Zetia. Serious and uncommon side effects of Zetia are severe allergic reaction (the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, itching, hoarseness of voice, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue etc.); chest pain, dark urine, unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; yellowing of the eyes or skin etc.
