by D. Vogt

Created on: June 10, 2010

Zetia is a prescription medication which is used to treat high cholesterol by reducing the intestines' rate of cholesterol absorption. Studies in recent years have generally confirmed that Zetia is effective at reducing cholesterol, though the overall results in terms of reduced coronary health complications and artery wall thickness were less clear. It comes in tablet form and is usually taken once daily.

Note that zetia is actually the brand name used by Merck to market the compound ezetimibe. Ezetimibe is also marketed under a second brand name, ezetrol.

According to the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus, the common and non-serious side effects of zetia include a headache, dizziness, a runny nose and sneezing, joint pain, sore throat, upset stomach, and diarrhea. If these symptoms seem particularly serious or persistent, you should inform your doctor in case your medical treatment needs to be adjusted or discontinued. Less than 10% of people are affected by these side effects of zetia. In case of dizziness, consider avoiding driving or operating heavy machinery until you regain full alertness.

More serious side effects include skin hives, rash, and itching; swelling of the face, throat, or extremities; difficulty breathing; hoarseness; fatigue; jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes); fever, loss of appetite, pale stools, and chest pain. MedlinePlus recommends that you contact  your doctor or seek medical advice immediately if you begin experiencing any of these symptoms. As a general rule, chest pain requires urgent medical attention in order to rule out any serious or life-threatening condition. Another potentially serious side effect of zetia involves muscular problems, signalled by muscle weakness, tenderness, or even pain. Skin problems may be an indication of an allergic reaction to zetia. As with all such allergies to medication, it is extremely important to discuss this with your doctor immediately once you suspect you may have an allergy to zetia, in order that your treatment can be modified or discontinued as appropriate.

The information about the side effects of Zetia provided here was assembled from publicly available sources. However, you should always seek medical advice from qualified medical professionals - your doctor and your pharmacist - and then follow their instructions specifically.

- Sources and Further Reading -

Merck. "Zetia (Ezetimibe) Tablets."

National Institutes of Health. "Ezetimibe: MedlinePlus Drug Information."

NetDoctor UK. "Ezetrol (Ezetimibe)."

Patient UK. "Ezetimibe."

WebMD. "Zetia Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions."

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