Ezetimibe, sold under the brand name Zetia, is a medication used to treat high cholesterol. It works by reducing the absorption of cholesterol from the small intestine into the body. This mechanism of action is distinct from statins, which work by inhibiting cholesterol production in the liver. Ezetimibe can be used alone, but it is often prescribed in combination with statin medications to achieve greater reductions in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. It is approved for use in primary hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (a severe inherited form of high cholesterol), and homozygous sitosterolemia (a rare genetic disorder leading to high plant sterol levels). The compound's chemical structure allows it to selectively target the Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) protein, which is crucial for cholesterol absorption (FDA label).
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Known interactions
Category rule: supplement × medication
Note
Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).
Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.
Category rule: vitamin × medication
Note
Certain vitamins interact with specific medications (e.g., vitamin K with blood thinners).
Specific pairs are checked against a licensed source; confirm with your provider.
Frequently asked
Sources referenced
["U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA label)", "National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)", "MedlinePlus", "PubChem", "DrugBank", "Cochrane Library"]
Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.
Related compounds
Others in the medication category or studied for the same goals.
