pms-Ezetimibe Mechanism of Action

Pharmacology: pms-EZETIMIBE works by decreasing the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine.
Cholesterol is one of several fatty substances found in the bloodstream. The total cholesterol is made up mainly of low density lipoprotein cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL and HDL cholesterol).
LDL cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of the arteries forming plaque. Eventually this plaque build-up can lead to a narrowing of the arteries. This narrowing can slow or block blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and brain. This blocking of blood flow can result in a heart attack or stroke.
HDL cholesterol is often called "good" cholesterol because it helps keep the bad cholesterol from building up in the arteries and protects against heart disease.
Triglycerides are another form of fat in the blood that may increase the risk for heart disease.
pms-EZETIMIBE may be taken alone or with other cholesterol-lowering medicines known as statins, in addition to diet and other lifestyle changes (see Interactions). pms-EZETIMIBE adds to the cholesterol-lowering effect of statins. Statins lower cholesterol in a different way; they work in the liver.