title: [Ezetimibe--pharmacokinetics and therapeutics].
abstract: Ezetimibe is an inhibitor of cholesterol absorption that is liver glucuronized after its rapid absorption, and is mobilized to the enterocytes, where together with its metabolites it exerts hypolipidemic effects, avoiding the absorption of cholesterol, through the reduction of specific cholesterol-transporter enzymes in the gut. This drug can be given once daily due to its prolonged plasma half-life, and is usually very well-tolerated. Elimination of ezetimibe and its metabolites is mainly via fecal excretion. In general, the use of ezetimibe alone promotes modest effects on plasma LDL-c, however, when combined with statins, a remarkable change in the lipid profile can be observed.
authors.affiliation: Unidade Clínica de Aterosclerose, Instituto do Coração, HCFMUSP.
authors.forename: Renata G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Araújo
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Casella Filho
authors.forename: Antonio Carlos P
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Chagas
mesh_terms: D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001384:Azetidines / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D000069438:Ezetimibe; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D001384:Azetidines; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D000069438:Ezetimibe