What are the efficacy and side effects of Ezetimibe tablets?

Generally, the effects of Ezetimibe tablets include inhibiting cholesterol absorption, lowering blood lipid levels, assisting in reducing triglycerides, increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques, etc. Side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, abnormal liver function, among others. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Effects of Ezetimibe Tablets

1. Inhibits Cholesterol Absorption

Ezetimibe tablets selectively inhibit intestinal cholesterol transporter proteins, effectively reducing cholesterol absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and decreasing the amount of dietary cholesterol entering the bloodstream.

2. Lowers Blood Lipid Levels

Ezetimibe tablets significantly reduce blood levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, helping to decrease lipid deposition on vascular walls and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.

3. Assists in Lowering Triglycerides

To a certain extent, Ezetimibe tablets can lower triglyceride levels, positively improving the overall blood lipid profile and helping maintain normal cardiovascular function.

4. Increases High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

Ezetimibe tablets can elevate high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels to some extent. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol plays a protective role in blood vessels by facilitating reverse cholesterol transport and promoting cholesterol excretion.

5. Stabilizes Atherosclerotic Plaques

By modulating blood lipids and reducing lipid-induced damage to vascular endothelial cells, Ezetimibe tablets help stabilize existing atherosclerotic plaques, lowering the risk of cardiovascular acute events caused by plaque rupture.

II. Side Effects of Ezetimibe Tablets

1. Abdominal Pain

Ezetimibe primarily acts on the brush border of intestinal villi, inhibiting cholesterol absorption. During this process, the drug may irritate the intestinal mucosa, affecting normal intestinal motility and digestive function. Spasms of intestinal smooth muscle due to irritation can lead to abdominal pain.

2. Diarrhea

Ezetimibe may alter the microecological environment of the intestine, affecting the balance of intestinal flora. Additionally, the drug's irritation of the intestinal mucosa and its effect on intestinal motility may accelerate intestinal peristalsis. When food remains in the intestine for too short a time and water absorption is insufficient, diarrhea may occur.

3. Fatigue

Human energy supply depends on normal metabolic processes. Ezetimibe may affect lipid metabolism and metabolic pathways related to energy production. For example, the drug may interfere with the normal breakdown and utilization of fats, reducing the amount of energy available to the body, leading to feelings of physical weakness and fatigue in patients.

4. Headache

Ezetimibe and its metabolites may have certain effects on cerebral blood vessels, potentially altering vascular tone and causing abnormal contraction or dilation of cerebral vessels, leading to changes in cerebral hemodynamics, which may trigger headaches of varying intensity and nature.

5. Abnormal Liver Function

Ezetimibe and its metabolites may exert direct toxic effects on hepatocytes, disrupting normal intracellular metabolic processes, such as affecting redox reactions and detoxification functions in the liver. When hepatocytes are damaged, intracellular enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are released into the bloodstream, causing elevated liver function indicators, suggesting a certain degree of liver injury.

During treatment with Ezetimibe tablets, it is important to regularly monitor blood lipid levels, liver function, and other indicators to promptly assess drug efficacy and physical condition. If unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or darkened urine occurs, medical attention should be sought promptly.