Drug example: Ezetimibe
Mechanism of action: Normally, transporters exist in the GI tract to facilitate the absorption of cholesterol from digested foods. Ezetimibe inhibits a transporter involved in this process, which causes a decrease in the amount of cholesterol absorbed. This initiates a series of changes in the liver that ultimately results in decreased LDL.
Use: Ezetimibe can decrease LDL cholesterol by 15-20% alone. It is often combined with a “statin” in patients who need to obtain an even larger decrease in LDL cholesterol than a statin alone can provide.
Drug toxicity: There is little to say about the side effects or toxicity of ezetimibe, as it is well tolerated by patients.
If it is used with a statin, however, there is an increased risk of liver toxicity.
