Loading
Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor·Cardiovascular - Lipid Lowering
Primary hypercholesterolemia, familial hypercholesterolemia
Max Dose
10 mg/day
Half-life
22 h
Myopathy
LOW RISK
Hepatic
LFTs REQ
Overview
Blocks the absorption of dietary and biliary cholesterol from the gut. Typically used as an add-on to statin therapy when targets aren't met.
Maximum Dose
Max 10 mg/day (Flat dosing, no titration required).
Clinical Focus
Provides an extra 15-20% LDL reduction when added to a statin. Very well tolerated.
Bottom Line
Ezetimibe is the standard add-on to statins for additional LDL lowering when statins alone are insufficient, but provides modest benefit as monotherapy compared to statins.
Brand Names
Ezetrol, Vytorin (combo), Atozet (combo)
Oral Routes
Tablets (10 mg).
Prescribing & PBS
Authority Required (PBS) for co-administration with statins or monotherapy in statin intolerance.
Primary
Primary hypercholesterolemia, familial hypercholesterolemia.
Clinical Place
Second-line lipid-lowering agent. Essential for patients failing to hit strict LDL targets (<1.4 mmol/L) post-MI on max statins.