What type of medication is Zetia (ezetimibe)?

Zetia (ezetimibe) is classified as a cholesterol absorption inhibitor. This type of medication works by reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed from the diet in the intestines. By inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol, Zetia effectively lowers the overall cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, which is particularly useful for patients who have high cholesterol levels and are at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Cholesterol absorption inhibitors like ezetimibe can be utilized alone or in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, to further enhance their effectiveness. This dual approach can help achieve lower LDL cholesterol levels, which is a key factor in managing cardiovascular health.

In contrast, other categories mentioned, such as statins, bile acid sequestrants, and PCSK9 inhibitors, work through different mechanisms: statins block the liver's production of cholesterol, bile acid sequestrants help eliminate cholesterol from the body by binding to bile acids in the intestines, and PCSK9 inhibitors enhance the liver's ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the unique role of ezetimibe in cholesterol management.