Ezetimibe - Zetia and Zetiheal 10 mg Cholesterol Tablets

Ezetimibe - Zetia and Zetiheal 10 mg Tablets

Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor. It lowers LDL cholesterol when taken with a cholesterol-lowering diet, either on its own or together with a statin, and it is used in adults and in children from 10 years of age with the inherited form of high cholesterol. It is supplied here as Zetia 10 mg and Zetiheal 10 mg tablets, 30 tablets per pack. Because it works on absorption rather than production, it is often added when a statin alone such as Atorvastatin or Rosuvastatin has not brought cholesterol to target.

• Two variants: Zetia 10 mg and Zetiheal 10 mg
• 30 tablets per pack
• Reduces cholesterol absorption from the intestine
• A prescription medicine in most countries

Variant Comparison

Both variants contain the same 10 mg dose of ezetimibe, so the difference is the brand and the manufacturer rather than the strength.

Because ezetimibe has a single 10 mg dose, there is no strength ladder to climb: the choice between the two variants is about which manufacturer you want rather than about the amount of medicine. The tablet is taken once a day at the same time, with or without food, and it is added to a statin rather than replacing it when both are prescribed. Where an antiplatelet is also part of the regimen after a heart attack or stent, that is a separate medicine, for example Clopidogrel.

How Ezetimibe Works

Ezetimibe reduces blood cholesterol by blocking the absorption of cholesterol from the small intestine, which lowers the amount of cholesterol that reaches the liver and leaves less of it in the blood. Statins act on production in the liver, so the two approaches are complementary and are often combined. Liver blood tests are usually checked when it is used with a statin.

Dosage & Administration

One 10 mg tablet once a day, with or without food, at around the same time each day. Continue taking it even when you feel well, because cholesterol has no symptoms. If you take a bile acid sequestrant such as cholestyramine, colesevelam or colestipol, take it at least two hours before or four hours after ezetimibe. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is close, and never double the next dose. Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements, and report muscle pain, unusual tiredness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unexplained bruising or bleeding.

This product may require a prescription in your country. Information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.