NCIt definition : An azetidinone derivative and a cholesterol absorption inhibitor with lipid-lowering
activity. Ezetimibe appears to interact physically with cholesterol transporters at
the brush border of the small intestine and inhibits the intestinal absorption of
cholesterol and related phytosterols. As a result, ezetimibe causes a decrease in
the level of blood cholesterol or an increase in the clearance of cholesterol from
the bloodstream. Overall, the following effects observed are a reduction of hepatic
cholesterol stores and a reduction of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and other
triglycerides in the blood.;
Alternative definition : ACC/AHA: A cholesterol absorption inhibitor with lipid-lowering activity;