Zetia

Description

Drug Uses

Zetia is used for lowering high cholesterol in certain patients. It is used along with an appropriate diet. It is used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack and chest pain caused by angina. It is also used to slow blood vessel blockage and to reduce the need for medical procedures to open blocked heart blood vessels. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Zetia comes in tablets to be taken with or without food. Usual dosage is 10 mg once a day.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Zetia, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Zetia, if you have low blood pressure, a serious infection, kidney problems, diabetes, or a history of seizures, if you are very ill, have certain muscle problems (e.g., pain, weakness), or have metabolism, hormonal, or electrolyte problems, if you drink alcohol or have a history of liver problems or alcohol abuse, have a certain type of high cholesterol (homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia), have had an organ transplant or have recently had major surgery or a serious injury, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. Do not use Zetia if you are pregnant. It may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Zetia is found in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while you are taking Zetia. Some medicines may interact with Zetia. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Zetia if you have liver problems or unexplained abnormal liver function tests, if you are taking a macrolide antibiotic (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), an HIV protease inhibitor (e.g., ritonavir), itraconazole, ketoconazole, mibefradil, nefazodone, or telithromycin. Drinking alcohol daily or in large amounts may increase the risk of liver problems with Mevacor. Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your doctor. Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Mevacor before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor right away, especially if you also have a fever or general body discomfort. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Zetia. Zetia should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 10 years old and in those who have not reached puberty. Safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are– Constipation. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately– allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), chest pain, dark urine, muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (with or without fever or fatigue), pale stools, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, severe stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Storage

Store Zetia at 59 to 86 °F (15 to 30 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Mevacor out of the reach of children.

More Information

Zetia may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may worsen if Zetia is taken with alcohol or certain other medications. Use Mevacor with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Zetia should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.