Ezetimibe is usually dosed daily, but its 22-hour elimination half-life permits significant
cholesterol reduction with less frequent dosing. The aim of this study was to examine
lipid changes in 33 patients treated with thrice-weekly ezetimibe for ≥1 month, who
had pre- and postezetimibe lipid levels and no other concurrent changes in their lipid
treatment. Ninety-four percent of the patients were treated with ezetimibe because
they experienced myalgias, elevated transaminase levels, or gastrointestinal intolerance
with higher doses of other lipid-lowering agents. Total cholesterol decreased by 15%
(−36 ± 28 mg/dl, p <0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 20% (−30 ± 25
mg/dl, p <0.001) during 58 ± 50 days of treatment. Most patients (85%) tolerated the
treatment, and many (48%) achieved their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goals.
In conclusion, thrice-weekly ezetimibe decreases total and low-density lipoprotein
cholesterol and is well tolerated. It is a viable treatment for patients intolerant
of other lipid-lowering medications.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 29, 2008
Accepted:
July 17,
2008
Received in revised form:
July 17,
2008
Received:
April 22,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
