A combination medication works by reducing cholesterol absorption in the intestine and decreasing cholesterol production in the liver, helping to effectively lower blood lipid levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Indications:
- Treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia.
- Reduction of elevated total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
- Prevention of cardiovascular events in high-risk patients.
Main Active Ingredients:
- Ezetimibe 10 mg.
- Atorvastatin 10 mg.
Precautions:
- Contraindicated in active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in liver enzymes.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Use with caution in patients with liver impairment or a history of alcohol abuse.
- Monitor liver function before and during treatment.
- Caution in patients at risk of muscle disorders or rhabdomyolysis.
Side Effects:
- Headache.
- Muscle pain or weakness.
- Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea or diarrhea.
- Elevated liver enzymes.
- Rare cases of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
Drug-Drug Interactions:
- Increased risk of muscle toxicity with fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil) or high-dose niacin.
- Increased atorvastatin levels with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, ketoconazole).
- Reduced effectiveness with bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine) if taken together.
- Caution with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) due to possible changes in effect.
- Follow your physician’s instructions.- Take one tablet once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day.