How it works

Ezetimibe (Zetia) works by decreasing cholesterol absorption in the small intestine. This means that your liver receives and stores less cholesterol. More cholesterol is then cleared from the blood, which aids in the reduction of cholesterol levels. It belongs to the class of medications known as cholesterol absorption inhibitors.

Ezetimibe inhibits the sterol transporter Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1), which is involved in the uptake of cholesterol and phytosterols in the intestine.

Ezetimibe is a prescription medication that lowers your blood total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. LDL and HDL cholesterol make up your total cholesterol.

Ezetimibe is used to treat high cholesterol in people who are unable to control their levels through diet and exercise alone. While taking this medication, you should also follow a cholesterol-lowering diet and an exercise regimen.

To maximize the effect of ezetimibe, your doctor may prescribe additional cholesterol-lowering medications.