About ezetimibe
Cholesterol absorption inhibitor and statin combination
Used for
- Treats high cholesterol alongside diet and exercise.
- Helps reduce cardiovascular risk in some people with established heart disease.
Usual adult dose
One tablet once daily, with or without food; dose is set by a clinician.
Usual dose in children
For familial inherited high cholesterol, one tablet once daily may be used from age 10; specialist supervision is needed.
Common side effects
- Muscle aches or weakness
- Diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort
- Headache
- Raised liver enzymes
Important warnings
- Report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially with fever or feeling unwell.
- Liver tests may be needed before treatment and during treatment.
- Not suitable with active liver disease or unexplained persistent liver-test abnormalities.
- Avoid during pregnancy; discuss promptly if pregnancy occurs.
Pregnancy
Avoid. The atorvastatin component may harm a developing baby; stop and seek medical review if pregnant.
Breastfeeding
Not recommended because atorvastatin may pass into breast milk; alternatives should be discussed with a clinician.
Interactions
- Ciclosporin can increase medicine levels; monitoring is needed.
- Warfarin and similar anticoagulants may require closer monitoring.
- Some antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and fibrates increase muscle-related risks.
- Bile-acid-binding medicines can reduce absorption; separate dosing by at least two hours before or four hours after.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.