Zetia (ezetimibe) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions. These uses for Zetia include treating:

High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), taken either alone or in combination with other cholesterol medications
A rare genetic condition called sitosterolemia.

High Cholesterol
Zetia is used for treating high cholesterol in people who cannot lower their cholesterol through lifestyle changes alone. It can lower total cholesterol and LDL ("bad cholesterol") but has little effect on HDL ("good cholesterol"). The medication is often used in combination with other cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins (Lipitor®, Crestor®, Zocor®, Pravachol®, Lescol®, Mevacor®) or fenofibrate (Antara®, Tricor®, Lipofen®, Triglide®, Lofibra®).

Other uses are treating high cholesterol and a rare genetic condition called sitosterolemia are among the licensed uses of Zetia. The cholesterol medication is effective at decreasing total cholesterol and "bad cholesterol," as well as decreasing triglycerides. By itself, Zetia has little effect on "good cholesterol"; and the drug is often used in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins and fenofibrate.

Currently there are no known off label uses for Zetia.

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Zetia (ezetimibe) if you have:

Liver disease or liver failure
Kidney disease or kidney failure
Gallbladder disease or a history of gallstones
Any muscle problems
Any allergies to medicines.

Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
Drink alcohol regularly
Are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant
Are breastfeeding.

Also, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Finally, make sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness while taking Zetia (especially if you also feel ill or have a fever).