Meta Information
ID:ezetimibe
Name:Ezetimibe
Schema Version:1.5
Alternate Names
- Zetia
Intervention Type
therapeutic_agent
Expected Cost Mean
Low Cost:
10
High Cost:
40
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Generic prescription cost, often covered by insurance with a co-pay.
Summary
Ezetimibe selectively inhibits cholesterol absorption in the small intestine by targeting the NPC1L1 protein. This mechanism lowers LDL cholesterol and ApoB, key causal drivers of atherosclerosis. Reducing lifelong atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk is a cornerstone of healthspan extension.
Purpose
Lowers ApoB by blocking intestinal cholesterol absorption, reducing ASCVD risk.
Card Summary
A non-statin pill that lowers ApoB by blocking cholesterol absorption in the gut.
Drug Class
cholesterol-absorption-inhibitors
Drugs In Class
Empty Array
Impact
Score:
7.5
Justification:
Potently lowers ApoB, a primary causal factor in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Evidence
Grade:
A
Score:
9.5
Justification:
Multiple large-scale human RCTs (e.g., IMPROVE-IT) confirm cardiovascular event reduction.
Safety
Score:
4.2
Justification:
Generally well-tolerated with a low side-effect profile compared to other lipid-lowering agents.
Flags
- Rare but possible side effects include myalgia (muscle pain), diarrhea, and fatigue.
- Infrequent elevations in liver enzymes can occur, especially when co-administered with a statin.
- May interact with cyclosporine, fibrates (increasing gallstone risk), and cholestyramine.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Verdict
A well-tolerated, effective non-statin for lowering ApoB and ASCVD risk.
Created
2026-04-27T13:19:17.658599Z
Model
Gemini 3.1 Pro (High)
Delivery
Route:
oral
Scope:
- systemic
Indication
Focus:
disease_treatment
Description:
Ezetimibe selectively inhibits cholesterol absorption in the small intestine by targeting the NPC1L1 protein. This mechanism lowers LDL cholesterol and ApoB, key causal drivers of atherosclerosis. Red...
Typical Protocol
- Typically 10 mg taken orally once daily, often in combination with a statin.