Common Use

Zetia is an antihyperlipidemic agent used to treat high blood cholesterol when combined with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. It is also prescribed to manage high blood levels of sitosterol and campesterol alongside diet therapy. Note that Zetia has not been shown to prevent heart disease or heart attacks.

Dosage and Direction

Take Zetia orally with or without food or milk. The standard dosage is 10 mg once daily. For patients needing a significant reduction in LDL-C (over 55%), the dose may start at 10-40 mg once daily. Always consult your doctor before use to ensure the best results.

Precautions

• Do not use Zetia without a doctor's approval.
• Avoid combining this medication with statins if you have certain medical conditions, especially liver disease.
• Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should only use Zetia if absolutely necessary.
• Individuals who consume large amounts of alcohol should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking Zetia.

Contraindications

• Zetia is not allowed for individuals hypersensitive to any of its components.
• Combining Zetia with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is prohibited in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in serum transaminases.
• HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are contraindicated in pregnant and nursing women.
• Conditions like myopathy and rhabdomyolysis may also restrict its use.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Unusual muscle weakness, tenderness, or pain
• Loss of appetite, nausea, clay-colored stools, stomach pain, low fever, dark urine, jaundice
• Chest pain
• Pancreatitis
• Fever, sore throat, and headache with severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash

Less serious side effects include:

• Numbness or tingling
• Mild stomach pain, diarrhea
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Depressed mood
• Runny or stuffy nose, cold symptoms
• Joint pain, back pain
• Cough

If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use and consult your doctor immediately. Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Drug Interactions

Zetia may interact with the following medications:

• Cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran)
• Colestipol (Colestid)
• Colesevelam (Welchol)
• Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
• Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf)
• Blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin)

Drug interactions do not always require stopping a medication but may alter their effects. Consult your doctor to manage potential interactions effectively.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Overdose

Symptoms of Zetia overdose are not well-documented but can be harmful. If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor immediately.

Storage

Store Zetia at room temperature, between 59-77°F (15-25°C), away from light, moisture, children, and pets. Do not use it after the expiration date.

Disclaimer

This information provides general guidelines about Zetia and does not cover all directions, possible interactions, or precautions. It is not intended for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. We are not responsible for any errors in this information or for any consequences resulting from its use.