In answer to your question, Ezetimibe (trade name Zetia) is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor.

CNN: Help me understand my cholesterol drugs

These agents fall into several classes that include statins, fibric acid derivatives, bile acid sequestrants, nicotinic acid (also known as niacin) and the cholesterol absorption inhibitors.

CNN: Help me understand my cholesterol drugs

Thus, a lot is riding on the IMPROVE-IT study as it is meant to show that the combination of a statin plus a cholesterol absorption inhibitor is better than a statin alone.

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Zetia, also known by the chemical name ezetimibe, works by stopping the absorption of cholesterol in the gut.

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It works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.

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Zetia blocks the absorption not only of cholesterol, but also of substances called plant sterols, chemicals found in fruits and vegetables that may slow tumor growth.

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