Ezetimibe

Ezetimibe is an azetidine derivative and anticholesteremic agent that inhibits intestinal sterol absorption. It is used to reduce total cholesterol; ldl cholesterol, and apolipoproteins b in the treatment of hyperlipidemias. Ezetimibe is a dietary cholesterol absorption inhibitor. The physiologic effect of ezetimibe is by means of decreased cholesterol absorption.
Ezetimibe is an azetidinone derivative and a cholesterol absorption inhibitor with lipid-lowering activity. Ezetimibe appears to interact physically with cholesterol transporters at the brush border of the small intestine and inhibits the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and related phytosterols. As a result, ezetimibe causes a decrease in the level of bloodcholesterol or an increase in the clearance of cholesterol from the bloodstream. Overall, the following effects observed are a reduction of hepatic cholesterol stores and a reduction of total cholesterol, ldl cholesterol, and other triglycerides in the blood.