Which statement best describes the action of ezetimibe?

Ezetimibe primarily works by decreasing the absorption of dietary cholesterol from the intestines. It specifically targets the Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) protein, which is crucial for the intestinal uptake of cholesterol. By inhibiting this protein, ezetimibe effectively reduces the amount of cholesterol that enters the bloodstream after meals. This action helps to lower overall cholesterol levels in the body, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, contributing to cardiovascular risk reduction.

The mechanism of action is distinct from other lipid-lowering agents such as statins, which inhibit cholesterol synthesis, or bile acid sequestrants, which bind bile acids to promote their excretion. Ezetimibe's unique role in obstructing the absorption of dietary cholesterol makes it a valuable addition to therapy, especially in patients who need further lowering of cholesterol levels after lifestyle changes or in combination with other lipid-lowering medications.