Ezetimibe is a prescription drug often used to treat high cholesterol. This eMedTV Web page lists specific ezetimibe uses and also provides information on dosing guidelines, how the drug works, available strengths, and overdose symptoms.
What is ezetimibe used for? As this eMedTV article explains, ezetimibe is used for the treatment of high cholesterol and a rare genetic condition called sitosterolemia. This page also explains how the drug works and discusses its uses in children.
Diarrhea, fatigue, and joint pain are a few common side effects of ezetimibe. This eMedTV page also lists rare side effects -- and some symptoms to report to your doctor right away like muscle tenderness or weakness along with a fever or body aches.
The recommended dosage of ezetimibe is 10 mg once daily. This eMedTV page lists some general tips for people taking ezetimibe (for example, the importance of using ezetimibe in combination with lifestyle changes like weight loss, diet, and exercise).
Cyclosporine and warfarin are among the drugs that can potentially interact with ezetimibe. This eMedTV page explains how drug interactions with ezetimibe can alter levels of ezetimibe in the blood and affect ezetimibe's ability to lower cholesterol.
Ezetimibe can cause an increase in liver enzymes or serious muscle problems in some people taking it. This eMedTV page also lists other precautions and warnings of ezetimibe, like potential drug interactions and the safety of taking it while nursing.
