Ezetrol (ezetimibe) is an antihyperlipidemic medication used in the treatment of high plasma cholesterol levels. The medication is, though less commonly, also used to treat sitosterolemia.

Patients as young as 10 years old can use Ezetrol, though doctor approval is highly recommended and dosage adjustments may be needed.

How it Works

The exact mechanism by which Ezetrol works is unclear, but one thing it does is inhibit cholesterol absorption by the small intestine. This means the liver is forced to pull cholesterol from the blood, ultimately lowering levels in the blood.

Other medications are usually (though not always) given along with Ezetrol, such as statins or other cholesterol-reducing drugs. These other medications often inhibit the liver from creating its own cholesterol, drawing even more from cholesterol in the bloodstream and further reducing levels in the blood.

Patients take cholesterol-lowering medications to prevent progression of high cholesterol or, if the condition is already serious or complicated by other factors, to reduce the risk of a catastrophic medical event, such as a heart attack.

Lifestyle Changes

Ezetrol is often prescribed for patients who:

• Can't take other medications, such as statins
• Are already taking other medications with insufficient results
• Have demonstrated a commitment to lifestyle/dietary changes
• Have an inherited disorder, such as sitosterolemia or hypercholesterolaemia

In all of the above dietary and/or lifestyle changes can usually provide tremendous benefit. Recommended changes usually include:

• Cut back on saturated fats, as found in dairy products and red meat.
• Eliminate trans fat if possible, most commonly found in processed foods.
• Minimize cholesterol intake, found in egg yolks and dairy products.
• Eat more fiber, found in vegetables and many grains or cereals.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Get regular exercise.

The above are not always applicable or possible for all patients, and some---particularly those with hereditary conditions---may not have any significant dietary/lifestyle issues. Most people do, however, and these patients are strongly encouraged to try to make any recommended changes and adhere to them over the long term. In most cases this is the only way that medications like Ezetrol will no longer be necessary.

Taking Ezetrol

Ezetrol comes in 10 mg tablets. Tablets can be split or quartered if smaller doses---5 mg or 2.5 mg---are needed. Food is optional, though a glass of fluid is recommended with each dose.

Each dose of Ezetrol is taken just once per day, and treatment may last indefinitely provided the medication provides benefit and no serious adverse effects develop.

When Ezetrol is the only medication being taken:

• The standard dose is 10 mg per day.
• For best results each dose should be taken around the same time each day.
• Do not exceed 10 mg per day.

Patients also taking a bile sequestrant should:

• Take Ezetrol 4 hours before or 2 hours after taking the bile sequestrant.

Patients also taking other cholesterol-reducing medications:

• Ezetrol dosage may be reduced to 5 mg or 2.5 mg per day.

Regular doctor checkups are advised for the duration of treatment, to ensure the medication is continuing to work as intended as well as monitor for developing complications. Patients who have made lifestyle changes may need periodic dosage adjustments and eventually may be able to discontinue treatment entirely.

Adverse Reactions

Ezetrol is typically considered a very safe medication, with the only true contraindication being hypersensitivity (allergy) to it.

Side effects are generally mild and not cause for concern; they typically stop occurring after the first few weeks of treatment. The following are not cause for concern unless severe or persistant:

• Joint pain
• Back pain
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Depression
• Stomach upset
• Tingly feeling
• Cold-like symptoms

Though rare, use of this medication is associated with rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which skeletal muscle tissue breaks down. This can ultimately lead to kidney failure and paralysis if allowed to continue. Patients should attend regular doctor visits so the complication can be screened for, and be alert for symptoms:

• Muscle weakness
• Muscle tenderness
• Muscle pain
• Decreased urine
• Dark urine

If experienced, contact a doctor right away. Again this is a very rare side effect, and is reversible if caught early. Attending regular doctor checkups and staying alert for side effects minimizes risks.