[Selective cholesterol absorption inhibition as a new prospect in treatment of hypercholesterolemia].
Ezetimibe is the first of a new class of lipid-lowering drugs, the 2-azetidinones, which selectively inhibits the absorption of intestinal cholesterol. Ezetimibe's mechanism of action complements that of cholesterol synthesis inhibitors. Ezetimibe as monotherapy or in combination with statins significantly decreases plasma cLDL levels. As monotherapy, ezetimibe is well tolerated with a side-effect profile similar to placebo, whereas in combination with statins no differences in the incidence of myopathy, rhabdomyolysis or elevated liver enzymes are reported.
Lima
Joan
J
Unidad de Lípidos, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital General Vall d'Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, España. joanlima@hgvhebron.es
Fonollosa
Vicent
V
Chacón
Pilar
P
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001384:Azetidines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D000069438:Ezetimibe; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D001384:Azetidines; D000069438:Ezetimibe