What is the mechanism of action of ezetimibe?

Ezetimibe functions primarily by inhibiting the intestinal absorption of cholesterol. It acts at the brush border of the small intestine to block the absorption of dietary cholesterol as well as cholesterol reabsorbed from bile. This mechanism reduces the total cholesterol amount that enters the bloodstream, leading to a decrease in plasma cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

By preventing the absorption of cholesterol from the gut, ezetimibe complements other lipid-lowering therapies that lower cholesterol synthesis or promote cholesterol removal from the body, providing a multifaceted approach to managing dyslipidemia. This action is distinct from the other mechanisms mentioned, such as inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver or increasing HDL production, which are associated with different classes of lipid-lowering agents.