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Medically Approved

Ezetimibe oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

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Doctors prescribe ezetimibe oral tablet for high cholesterol. You take it by mouth once per day.
Medically reviewed by Fallon Mumford, PharmD
Updated on

This article describes ezetimibe oral tablet’s dosage and strength and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for ezetimibe. If you want to know more about ezetimibe oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, and more.

Ezetimibe oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Zetia. Ezetimibe only comes as an oral tablet that you swallow.

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Form and strength of ezetimibe

Ezetimibe oral tablet comes as follows:

  • Form: a tablet that you swallow
  • Strength: 10 milligrams (mg)

Dosage of ezetimibe

Ezetimibe may be taken alone or together with another type of cholesterol-lowering drug, depending on the condition. Doctors usually recommend changes in your diet with ezetimibe to help lower high cholesterol.

This article describes the recommended dosage for ezetimibe oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of ezetimibe oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosage of ezetimibe in adults

The usual dosage of ezetimibe for high cholesterol is described below.

  • Dose: 10 mg
  • Frequency: once daily
  • Maximum dosage: 10 mg per day

Dosage of ezetimibe in children

The safety and effectiveness of ezetimibe has been established in some children with certain types of high cholesterol. It’s approved for use in children ages 9 years and older or 10 years and older, depending on the condition being treated. The recommended dosage is the same as that for adults.

  • Dose: 10 mg
  • Frequency: once daily
  • Maximum dosage: 10 mg per day

Dosage adjustments for ezetimibe

The dosage of ezetimibe is not usually adjusted. Your doctor will determine if ezetimibe is appropriate for you to take based on several factors. These include:

  • the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
  • other medications you’re taking
  • other health conditions you may have

Missed dose of ezetimibe

If you miss a dose of ezetimibe oral tablet, take it as soon as possible. Do not double your next scheduled dose. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about a missed dose of ezetimibe.

For tips on how to plan your doses of ezetimibe oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about ezetimibe oral tablet and its dosage.

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Should I take my 10 mg dose of ezetimibe at night?

Ezetimibe is equally effective regardless of when you take it during the day. But you should take it at the same time each day with or without food. So, take it at a time that works best for you.

Keep in mind that ezetimibe needs to be separated by a few hours if you’re taking certain other medications.

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist about when you should take ezetimibe.

Is there a 20 mg recommended daily dose of ezetimibe?

Ezetimibe 10 mg daily is the maximum dosage that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are limited studies available that have looked at giving people ezetimibe 20 mg daily.

Ezetimibe is commonly given with other cholesterol-lowering medications. Your doctor will likely increase these to their maximum dosages first. Or they may change your cholesterol-lowering regimen if it’s not working well enough for you.

Speak with your doctor to learn about the best option for you.

Can ezetimibe be taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe ezetimibe oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take ezetimibe oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

How ezetimibe is taken

You’ll swallow ezetimibe oral tablet once per day with or without food.

Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

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Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

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Overdose of ezetimibe

It’s important that you do not take more ezetimibe oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

What to do if you take too much ezetimibe

If you think you’ve taken too much ezetimibe, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for ezetimibe oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of ezetimibe oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take ezetimibe oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • How long does it take ezetimibe to work?
  • Can I take ezetimibe with my other medications?
  • What lab tests need to be performed while I’m taking ezetimibe?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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