Ezetimibe

Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.

Ezetimibe (brand name Zetia) — Antihyperlipidemic; Cholesterol absorption inhibitor.

Identification

• Therapeutic class: Antihyperlipidemic.
• Pharmacologic class: Cholesterol absorption inhibitor.

Pharmacology

• Mechanism of action: Blocks intestinal absorption of dietary and biliary cholesterol at the brush border, lowering LDL; often added to a statin.
• Onset / peak / duration: LDL effect within about 2 weeks.
• Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life about 22 hours; no routine level.

Clinical use

• Indications: Primary hyperlipidemia, adjunct to statin or diet.
• Usual dose, route, frequency: 10 mg PO once daily.
• Maximum dose / adjustments: 10 mg/day; no adjustment for mild hepatic or renal impairment; avoid in moderate to severe hepatic impairment.

Safety

• Contraindications: Combined with a statin in active liver disease or pregnancy.
• Black box warning: None.
• Interactions: Bile acid sequestrants reduce absorption (separate doses); cyclosporine; fibrates increase gallstone risk.
• Pregnancy / lactation: Use only if benefit outweighs risk; avoid the statin combination in pregnancy.
• High-alert: No.

Adverse effects

• Common side effects: Diarrhea, arthralgia, fatigue.
• Serious effects to report: Myopathy when combined with a statin, hepatitis.
• Antidote / reversal: None.

Nursing process

• Assessment before administration: Lipids, LFTs if combined with statin.
• Interventions during therapy: Separate from bile acid sequestrants by 2 hours before or 4 hours after.
• Monitor: Lipid panel, LFTs if on combination therapy.
• Evaluation / expected outcome: Additional LDL lowering.

Patient teaching

• Patient teaching: Can be taken with or without food.
• Notify provider if: Muscle pain, persistent GI symptoms.
• Administration tips: Any time daily; space from sequestrants.