Cholesterol absorption inhibitor

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor is a class of drugs used to reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine into the bloodstream. These drugs are often used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, a condition characterized by high levels of cholesterol in the blood.

Mechanism of Action

Cholesterol absorption inhibitors work by blocking the Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) protein, which is responsible for the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. By inhibiting this protein, these drugs reduce the amount of cholesterol that enters the bloodstream, thereby lowering overall cholesterol levels.

Examples

One of the most commonly used cholesterol absorption inhibitors is Ezetimibe. This drug is often used in combination with a statin, another type of cholesterol-lowering drug, to enhance the overall reduction in cholesterol levels.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, cholesterol absorption inhibitors can have side effects. These may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and muscle pain. However, these side effects are generally mild and go away on their own over time.

Clinical Use

Cholesterol absorption inhibitors are primarily used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. They may also be used in patients who cannot tolerate statins, or in combination with statins when a single drug is not sufficient to lower cholesterol levels.

See Also

• Hypercholesterolemia
• Statin
• Ezetimibe
• Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1