Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with high cholesterol. In addition to lifestyle modifications, many patients with high cholesterol require the use of prescription medications. Zetia is a drug that can be used alone or as an adjunct with other cholesterol-lowering medications to lower total and LDL cholesterol. The beneficial effects of Zetia have been shown to occur quickly and are maintained with continued treatment.
Hyperliidemia
High cholesterol levels, or hyperliidemia, is a major risk factor for the development of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Low-density lipoproteins, or LDL cholesterol, can accumulate and block arteries that supply blood to vital organs such as the heart and the brain. According to the National Institutes of Health Adult Treatment Panel 3 lipid guidelines, optimal total cholesterol levels are below 200 mg/dL while LDL cholesterol should be kept below 100 mg/dL.
Drug Therapy
Statin drugs are the most common class of medications used to lower both total and LDL cholesterol. In 2002, ezetimibe was approved by the U.S. Food and drug administration as a single therapy or in combination with drugs such as statins to lower cholesterol. Marketed under the brand name Zetia, ezetimibe works by blocking the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the small intestine. The typical dose of Zetia is 10 mg once daily. The most common side effects reported include sore throat, muscle pain, upper respiratory tract infection and diarrhea.
Onset of Action
According to the manufacturer's product package insert for Zetia, the peak effect of cholesterol reduction occurs within two weeks of starting drug therapy with Zetia. The manufacturer also reports that this effect is maintained with continued use. When used alone, clinical studies used in the approval of Zetia showed a mean reduction of 12 percent in total cholesterol and 18 percent in LDL cholesterol by patients taking Zetia when compared to placebo. When combined with a statin drug, studies showed that Zetia reduced total and LDL cholesterol by an additional 15 and 21 percent, respectively, when compared to statin therapy alone.
Significance
Zetia appears to be a viable alternative for patients unable to take statin medications, or as an adjunct with statin medications to achieve a greater reduction in total and LDL cholesterol. Zetia is available by prescription only and patients are encouraged to speak to a physician with concerns regarding high cholesterol and the appropriate treatment options.
