Drug Uses

Zetia is used for treating high blood cholesterol and also for a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. It can also be used for treating high blood sitosterol and campesterol with a diet therapy.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may choose to take Zetia with a meal to avoid an upset stomach or without one.

Please drink a full glass of water with Zetia. If you have to take bile acid sequestrant, it is advisable to take atleast 2 or 4 hours before you take the dosage Zetia.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Zetia being an antihyperlipidemic agent reduces the amount of cholesterol and other sterols which your body seeks to absorb from your daily diet.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Zetia at room temperature preferably between 15 to 30 degrees C. Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Zetia if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like severe liver problems.

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor. A proper diet and exercise regime, also a weight loss program must be followed along with your dosage of Zetia for those patients who are over weight.

Precaution must be taken for elderly patients and it must be remembered that Zetia is not to be given to any children as it can have harmful affect on them.

Zetia may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Zetia. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Zetia. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Zetia before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.

Pregnancy Info

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Zetia to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Zetia as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.