Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

Question 1

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

Drug Names

Answer 1

Ezetimibe

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

Lower serum cholesterol levels; treat homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia; treat homozygous sitosterolemia to lower sitosterol and campesterol levels

Question 3

Mechanism of Action

Answer 3

Works in the small intestine to decrease absorption of dietary cholesterol
Less cholesterol is circulated to the liver
Liver clears more cholesterol from the blood which results in less circulating cholesterol

Question 4

Contraindications

Answer 4

Allergy

Question 5

Adverse Effects

Answer 5

GI: abdominal pain and diarrhea
CNS: HA, dizziness, fatigue
URI
Muscle aches and pains, back pain

Question 6

Drug-Drug Interactions

Answer 6

Cholestyramine, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, or antacids
Cyclosporine
Fibrates
Warfarin

Question 7

Assessment

Answer 7

HX: allergy, pregnancy/lactation
Liver function
Physical: CNS, lung sounds, abdomen
Labs: cholesterol, lipids, LFTs