How to take ezetimibe?

How to Take Ezetimibe

Ezetimibe should be taken as a 10 mg tablet once daily, with or without food, at any time of day. 1

Dosing Instructions

• Standard dose: 10 mg orally once daily
• Timing: Can be taken in the morning or evening without regard to food 1, 2
• Administration with other medications:
  • If taking bile acid sequestrants (like cholestyramine or colestipol): Take ezetimibe at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after the bile acid sequestrant 1, 2
  • Can be taken at the same time as statins 3

Medication Handling

• Swallow the tablet whole
• If a dose is missed: Take it as soon as you remember, but do not double the next dose 1
• Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) and protect from moisture 1

Monitoring

• LDL-C levels should be assessed when clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after starting ezetimibe 1
• If taking ezetimibe with a statin, liver function tests should be monitored as clinically indicated 3
• Discontinue ezetimibe if persistent ALT elevations 3 times the upper limit of normal occur 3

Special Considerations

• No dose adjustment needed for:

  • Mild hepatic impairment
  • Mild to severe renal insufficiency
  • Elderly patients
  • Based on sex or race 2

• Drug interactions to be aware of:

  • Cyclosporine: Higher ezetimibe exposures observed; use with caution 2
  • Fibrates (gemfibrozil, fenofibrate): May increase ezetimibe bioavailability 2
  • Statins: Avoid concomitant simvastatin >20 mg daily or pravastatin >40 mg daily 3

Common Side Effects

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Diarrhea
• Arthralgia (joint pain)
• Back pain
• Pain in extremities
• Muscle spasms 3, 1

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

• If you experience symptoms of liver problems
• If you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• If you experience signs of allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing, skin rash) 1

Remember that ezetimibe works by inhibiting intestinal uptake of dietary and biliary cholesterol without affecting the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients 2. It can be used alone or in combination with statins to effectively lower LDL cholesterol levels.