Ezetimibe NEW

Ezetimibe Overview

Definition:
Ezetimibe is a lipid-lowering medication used to reduce cholesterol levels in the body. It works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol from the small intestine, thus lowering total cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.

Function:
Ezetimibe targets the Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) protein in the small intestine, preventing cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream. This leads to reduced levels of cholesterol and improved lipid profiles.

Applications:

· Hyperlipidemia: Ezetimibe is commonly used to treat high cholesterol levels, either alone or in combination with statins.

· Cardiovascular Disease: It helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes by lowering LDL cholesterol.

· Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Ezetimibe is used in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia to control cholesterol levels when diet and lifestyle changes are not enough.