Ezetimibe is part of a class of drugs called cholesterol absorption inhibitors. As the name implies, ezetimibe blocks the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines into the blood. This results in less cholesterol entering the body. It is unique in that it works just at the "brush border" of the small intestine. Because less cholesterol is delivered from the digestive tract to the liver (which depletes the liver's stores of cholesterol), the liver reacts by taking cholesterol out from the blood, helping to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.
The effects of ezetimibe also cause decreases in the following forms of cholesterol and fats:
Ezetimibe has little effect on HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) by itself.
Is Ezetimibe Used in Children?
Ezetimibe has been studied for the treatment of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in boys age 10 and older and girls age 10 and older who had already started getting their periods. It has not been studied in children under ten years old or in girls of any age that have not started their periods yet.
Ezetimibe appeared to be safe and effective for such use, whether used alone or in combination with simvastatin. However, it is not specifically approved for use in this age group. Talk with your child's healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using ezetimibe in children.
Is Ezetimibe Used for Off-Label Reasons?
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend ezetimibe for treating something other than the conditions listed above. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, there are no known off-label uses for ezetimibe.
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