Ezetimibe
Brand names: Ezetrol
Ezetimibe is a lipid-lowering drug used, usually alongside a statin, to lower LDL-cholesterol — or on its own when a statin is not tolerated.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
US labelling (FDA)
Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK• Dose range is 10 mg/10 mg/day to 10 mg/40 mg/day. ( 2.1 ) • Recommended usual starting dose is 10 mg/10 mg or 10 mg/20 mg/day. ( 2.1 ) • Due to the increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, use of the 10 mg/80 mg dose of ezetimibe and simvastatin tablets should be restricted to patients who have been taking ezetimibe and simvastatin tablets 10 mg/80 mg chronically (e.g., for 12 months or more) without evidence of muscle toxicity. ( 2.2 ) • Patients who are currently tolerating the 10 mg/80 mg dose of ezetimibe and simvastatin tablets who need to be initiated on an interacting drug that is contraindicated or is associated with a dose cap for simvastatin should be switched to an …
Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2025-07-18. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption at the NPC1L1 transporter; combined with a statin, the LDL-lowering effects are additive.
Prescribing in practice
- It is generally well tolerated.
- Add it when a statin alone does not reach the LDL target, or use it where statins are contraindicated or not tolerated.
- Check liver enzymes when it is used together with a statin.
Monitoring
Review lipid response; check liver enzymes when combined with a statin.
Counselling the patient
- It is usually added to, not a replacement for, a statin.
- Continue lifestyle measures.
- Report muscle symptoms if you are also taking a statin.
Evidence & guidelines
Recommended as add-on or alternative lipid-lowering therapy (NICE TA385 / NG238).
Reference: NICE NG185; IMPROVE-IT Trial (NEJM 2015); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.