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2D Structure
Also known as: 163222-33-1, Zetia, Ezetrol, Ezedoc, Sch 58235, Sch58235
Molecular Formula
C24H21F2NO3
Molecular Weight
409.4  g/mol
InChI Key
OLNTVTPDXPETLC-XPWALMASSA-N
FDA UNII
EOR26LQQ24

An azetidine derivative and ANTICHOLESTEREMIC AGENT that inhibits intestinal STEROL absorption. It is used to reduce total CHOLESTEROL; LDL CHOLESTEROL, and APOLIPOPROTEINS B in the treatment of HYPERLIPIDEMIAS.
Ezetimibe is a Dietary Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor. The physiologic effect of ezetimibe is by means of Decreased Cholesterol Absorption.
1 2D Structure

2D Structure

2 Identification
2.1 Computed Descriptors
2.1.1 IUPAC Name
(3R,4S)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-[(3S)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl]-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)azetidin-2-one
2.1.2 InChI
InChI=1S/C24H21F2NO3/c25-17-5-1-15(2-6-17)22(29)14-13-21-23(16-3-11-20(28)12-4-16)27(24(21)30)19-9-7-18(26)8-10-19/h1-12,21-23,28-29H,13-14H2/t21-,22+,23-/m1/s1
2.1.3 InChI Key
OLNTVTPDXPETLC-XPWALMASSA-N
2.1.4 Canonical SMILES
C1=CC(=CC=C1C2C(C(=O)N2C3=CC=C(C=C3)F)CCC(C4=CC=C(C=C4)F)O)O
2.1.5 Isomeric SMILES
C1=CC(=CC=C1[C@@H]2[C@H](C(=O)N2C3=CC=C(C=C3)F)CC[C@@H](C4=CC=C(C=C4)F)O)O
2.2 Other Identifiers
2.2.1 UNII
EOR26LQQ24
2.3 Synonyms
2.3.1 MeSH Synonyms

1. (1-(4-fluorophenyl)-(3r)-(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-(3s)-hydroxypropyl)-(4s)-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-azetidinone)

2. 58235, Sch

3. Ezetimib

4. Ezetrol

5. Sch 58235

6. Sch-58235

7. Sch58235

8. Zetia

2.3.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

1. 163222-33-1

2. Zetia

3. Ezetrol

4. Ezedoc

5. Sch 58235

6. Sch58235

7. (3r,4s)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-[(3s)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl]-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)azetidin-2-one

8. Sch-58235

9. Ezetimibe (zetia)

10. (3r,4s)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-((s)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)azetidin-2-one

11. Eor26lqq24

12. Chebi:49040

13. Mk0653

14. Nsc-758923

15. (3r,4s)-1-(p-fluorophenyl)-3-((3s)-3-(p-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl)-4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-azetidinone

16. 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(r)-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(s)-hydroxypropyl]-4(s)-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-azetidinone

17. Dsstox_cid_24223

18. Dsstox_rid_80127

19. Dsstox_gsid_44223

20. Zient

21. (-)-sch 58235

22. (3~{r},4~{s})-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-[(3~{s})-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-oxidanyl-propyl]-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)azetidin-2-one

23. 2-azetidinone, 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-((3s)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-, (3r,4s)-

24. 2-azetidinone, 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-[(3s)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl]-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-, (3r,4s)-

25. Smr000466334

26. Cas-163222-33-1

27. Zetia (tn)

28. Unii-eor26lqq24

29. Ezetimiba

30. Ezetimibum

31. Ezetimibe [usan:inn:ban]

32. Ezetimibe)

33. Mfcd00937872

34. Hsdb 7737

35. Ezetimibe Anhydrate

36. Ezetimibe- Bio-x

37. Ncgc00095134-01

38. Ezetimibe [usan]

39. Mk-0653

40. Ezetimibe [inn]

41. Ezetimibe [jan]

42. Ezetimibe [mi]

43. Ezetimibe [hsdb]

44. Ezetimibe [vandf]

45. Ezetimibe [mart.]

46. Ezetimibe [usp-rs]

47. Ezetimibe [who-dd]

48. Schembl2871

49. Chembl1138

50. Ezetimibe (jan/usp/inn)

51. Mls000759443

52. Mls001424125

53. Mls006011921

54. Gtpl6816

55. Ezetimibe [orange Book]

56. Dtxsid1044223

57. Ezetimibe, >=98% (hplc)

58. Roszet Component Ezetimibe

59. Ex-a795

60. Ezetimibe [usp Monograph]

61. Vytorin Component Ezetimibe

62. Hms2051k16

63. Hms2236a04

64. Hms3715d06

65. Nexlizet Component Ezetimibe

66. (3r,4s)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl]-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-azetidinone

67. Act03511

68. Zinc3810860

69. Ezetimibe Component Of Roszet

70. Tox21_111443

71. Bdbm50371521

72. S1655

73. Stk640490

74. Ezetimibe Component Of Vytorin

75. Akos005572111

76. Ezetimibe Component Of Nexlizet

77. Tox21_111443_1

78. Ac-1057

79. Am84560

80. Ccg-100884

81. Db00973

82. Ks-1170

83. Nc00134

84. Nsc 758923

85. Ncgc00263575-01

86. Ncgc00263575-07

87. (3r,4s)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-[(3s)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxy-propyl]-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)azetidin-2-one

88. 2-azetidinone, 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-, (3r-(3alpha(s*),4beta))-

89. Be164439

90. Hy-17376

91. E1449

92. D01966

93. Ab00639916-06

94. Ab00639916-08

95. Ab00639916_09

96. 222e331

97. Ar-270/43507897

98. Q417997

99. 3-hydroxypropyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)azetidin-2-one

100. Brd-k42260897-001-09-2

101. Z1550648770

102. (3r,4s)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-((s)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-

103. Ezetimibe, United States Pharmacopeia (usp) Reference Standard

104. Ezetimibe, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material

105. (3r,4s)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-[(3 S)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl]-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)azetidin-2-one

106. (3r,4s)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-[(3s)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)- 3-hydroxypropyl]-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)azetidin-2-one

107. (3r,4s)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-[(s)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl]-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-azetidin-2-one

108. 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl]-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-azetidinone

109. 2-azetidinone, 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-, (3r-(3.alpha.(s*),4.beta.))-

110. H56

2.4 Create Date
2005-06-24
3 Chemical and Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 409.4 g/mol
Molecular Formula C24H21F2NO3
XLogP34
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count2
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count5
Rotatable Bond Count6
Exact Mass409.14894986 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass409.14894986 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area60.8 Ų
Heavy Atom Count30
Formal Charge0
Complexity567
Isotope Atom Count0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count3
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Covalently Bonded Unit Count1
4 Drug and Medication Information
4.1 Drug Information
1 of 4  
Drug NameEzetimibe
PubMed HealthEzetimibe (By mouth)
Drug ClassesAntihyperlipidemic
Drug LabelZETIA (ezetimibe) is in a class of lipid-lowering compounds that selectively inhibits the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and related phytosterols. The chemical name of ezetimibe is 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(R)-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(S)-hydroxypropyl]...
Active IngredientEzetimibe
Dosage FormTablet
Routeoral
Strength10mg
Market StatusTentative Approval
CompanyMylan Pharms; Glenmark Generics

2 of 4  
Drug NameZetia
PubMed HealthEzetimibe (By mouth)
Drug ClassesAntihyperlipidemic
Drug LabelZETIA (ezetimibe) is in a class of lipid-lowering compounds that selectively inhibits the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and related phytosterols. The chemical name of ezetimibe is 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(R)-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(S)-hydroxypropyl]...
Active IngredientEzetimibe
Dosage FormTablet
RouteOral
Strength10mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyMsd Intl Gmbh

3 of 4  
Drug NameEzetimibe
PubMed HealthEzetimibe (By mouth)
Drug ClassesAntihyperlipidemic
Drug LabelZETIA (ezetimibe) is in a class of lipid-lowering compounds that selectively inhibits the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and related phytosterols. The chemical name of ezetimibe is 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(R)-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(S)-hydroxypropyl]...
Active IngredientEzetimibe
Dosage FormTablet
Routeoral
Strength10mg
Market StatusTentative Approval
CompanyMylan Pharms; Glenmark Generics

4 of 4  
Drug NameZetia
PubMed HealthEzetimibe (By mouth)
Drug ClassesAntihyperlipidemic
Drug LabelZETIA (ezetimibe) is in a class of lipid-lowering compounds that selectively inhibits the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and related phytosterols. The chemical name of ezetimibe is 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(R)-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(S)-hydroxypropyl]...
Active IngredientEzetimibe
Dosage FormTablet
RouteOral
Strength10mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyMsd Intl Gmbh

4.2 Therapeutic Uses

Ezetimibe is used alone or in combination with other antilipemic agents (i.e., a hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A [HMG-CoA] reductase inhibitor (statin), fenofibrate) as an adjunct to dietary therapy in the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia, homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, and/or homozygous familial sitosterolemia. /Included in US product label/

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 1728


Ezetimibe is used alone or in combination with a statin as an adjunct to dietary therapy to decrease elevated serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B (apo B) concentrations in the treatment of primary (heterozygous familial and nonfamilial) hypercholesterolemia. Ezetimibe in fixed combination with simvastatin is used as an adjunct to dietary therapy to decrease elevated serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apo B, triglyceride, and non-HDL-cholesterol concentrations, and to increase HDL-cholesterol concentrations in the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. Ezetimibe also is used in combination with fenofibrate as an adjunct to dietary therapy to decrease elevated serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apo B, and non-HDL-cholesterol concentrations in the treatment of mixed dyslipidemia. /Included in US product label/

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 1728


Ezetimibe is used as an adjunct to dietary therapy to decrease elevated serum sitosterol and campesterol concentrations in patients with homozygous familial sitosterolemia. /Included in US product label/

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 1729


Ezetimibe may be used in combination with atorvastatin or simvastatin to decrease elevated serum total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia as an adjunct to other lipid-lowering therapies (e.g., plasma LDL apheresis) or when such therapies are not available. /Included in US product label/

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 1729


This is a retrospective review of all pediatric patients who received ezetimibe monotherapy as treatment for hypercholesterolemia and for whom follow-up clinical and lipid results were available. Of 36 identified patients, 26 had lipoprotein profiles suggestive of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), and 10 had profiles suggestive of familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL). After a mean 105 days of treatment with ezetimibe (range, 32-175 days), total cholesterol (TC) levels decreased from 7.3 +/- 1.0 mmol/L to 5.7 +/- 1.0 mmol/L (P < .0001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels decreased from 5.3 +/- 0.9 mmol/L to 3.9 +/- 0.8 (P < .0001) in patients with FH. In patients with FCHL, TC levels decreased from 6.4 +/- 2.0 mmol/L to 5.6 +/- 0.4 mmol/L (P < or = .002), and LDL-C levels decreased from 4.7 +/- 1.0 mmol/L to 3.8 +/- 0.6 mmol/L (P < or = .005). For all patients, the mean decrease in individual LDL-C values was 1.5 +/- 0.9 mmol/L or 28%. There was no significant change in triglyceride or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with ezetimibe. Patients were maintained on ezetimibe with no adverse effects attributable to the medication for as long as 3.5 years. At a mean of 13.6 months (range, 1-44 months) after the initiation of ezetimibe, LDL-C levels remained decreased at 4.0 +/- 0.6 mmol/L. In this small retrospective series of children and adolescents with hypercholesterolemia, ezetimibe was safe and effective in lowering LDL-C levels.

PMID:192308 Clauss S et al; J Pediatr 154 (6): 869-72 (2009).


4.3 Drug Warning

Ezetimibe, in combination with a hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor (statin), is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained, persistent increases in serum aminotransferase (transaminase) concentrations.

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 1730


In the Zetia controlled clinical trials database (placebo-controlled) of 2396 patients with a median treatment duration of 12 weeks (range 0 to 39 weeks), 3.3% of patients on Zetia and 2.9% of patients on placebo discontinued due to adverse reactions. The most common adverse reactions in the group of patients treated with Zetia that led to treatment discontinuation and occurred at a rate greater than placebo were: Arthralgia (0.3%); dizziness (0.2%); and gamma-glutamyltransferase increased (0.2%) The most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence =2% and greater than placebo) in the Zetia monotherapy controlled clinical trial database of 2396 patients were: upper respiratory tract infection (4.3%), diarrhea (4.1%), arthralgia (3.0%), sinusitis (2.8%), and pain in extremity (2.7%).

Thomson Health Care Inc.; Physicians' Desk Reference 63 ed., Montvale, NJ 2009, p. 2158


In the Zetia + statin controlled clinical trials database of 11,308 patients with a median treatment duration of 8 weeks (range 0 to 112 weeks), 4.0% of patients on Zetia + statin and 3.3% of patients on statin alone discontinued due to adverse reactions. The most common adverse reactions in the group of patients treated with Zetia + statin that led to treatment discontinuation and occurred at a rate greater than statin alone were: Alanine aminotransferase increased (0.6%) Myalgia (0.5%) Fatigue, aspartate aminotransferase increased, headache, and pain in extremity (each at 0.2%) The most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence =2% and greater than statin alone) in the Zetia + statin controlled clinical trial database of 11,308 patients were: nasopharyngitis (3.7%), myalgia (3.2%), upper respiratory tract infection (2.9%), arthralgia (2.6%) and diarrhea (2.5%).

Thomson Health Care Inc.; Physicians' Desk Reference 63 ed., Montvale, NJ 2009, p. 2158


In post-marketing experience with Zetia, cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported. Most patients who developed rhabdomyolysis were taking a statin prior to initiating Zetia. However, rhabdomyolysis has been reported with Zetia monotherapy and with the addition of Zetia to agents known to be associated with increased risk of rhabdomyolysis, such as fibrates. Zetia and any statin or fibrate that the patient is taking concomitantly should be immediately discontinued if myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. The presence of muscle symptoms and a CPK level >10 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) indicates myopathy.

Thomson Health Care Inc.; Physicians' Desk Reference 63 ed., Montvale, NJ 2009, p. 2158


For more Drug Warnings (Complete) data for Ezetimibe (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.4 Drug Indication

Ezetimibe is indicated to reduce elevated total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C in patients with primary hyperlipidemia, alone or in combination with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin). It is also indicated to reduce elevated total-C, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia in combination with fenofibrate, and to reduce elevated total-C and LDL-C in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), in combination with atorvastatin or simvastatin. Ezetimibe may also be used to reduce elevated sitosterol and campesterol in patients with homozygous sitosterolemia (phytosterolemia).


FDA Label


Prevention of coronary heart disease


Treatment of hypercholesterolaemia, Treatment of sitosterolaemia


5 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
5.1 Pharmacology

Ezetimibe was shown to reduce the levels of total cholesterol (total-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apoprotein B (Apo B), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in patients with hyperlipidemia. This therapeutic effect was more profound when ezetimibe was co-administered with a statin or fenofibrate compared to either treatment alone. In clinical trials involving patients with homozygous and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and in those with sitosterolemia, a recommended therapeutic dose of ezetimibe was effective in reducing the LDL levels by 15-20% while increasing HDL-C by 2.5-5%. The effects of increased exposure to ezetimibe secondary to moderate-severe hepatic impairment have not been assessed - patients meeting these criteria should avoid the use of ezetimibe. Post-marketing reports indicate the potential for myopathy and rhabdomyolysis in patients taking ezetimibe, and this risk appears to be exacerbated in patients concurrently receiving, or having recently received, statin therapy.


5.2 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Anticholesteremic Agents

Substances used to lower plasma cholesterol levels. (See all compounds classified as Anticholesteremic Agents.)


5.3 FDA Pharmacological Classification
5.3.1 Active Moiety
EZETIMIBE
5.3.2 FDA UNII
EOR26LQQ24
5.3.3 Pharmacological Classes
Dietary Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor [EPC]; Decreased Cholesterol Absorption [PE]
5.4 ATC Code

C10AX09

S76 | LUXPHARMA | Pharmaceuticals Marketed in Luxembourg | Pharmaceuticals marketed in Luxembourg, as published by d'Gesondheetskeess (CNS, la caisse nationale de sante, www.cns.lu), mapped by name to structures using CompTox by R. Singh et al. (in prep.). List downloaded from https://cns.public.lu/en/legislations/textes-coordonnes/liste-med-comm.html. Dataset DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4587355


C - Cardiovascular system

C10 - Lipid modifying agents

C10A - Lipid modifying agents, plain

C10AX - Other lipid modifying agents

C10AX09 - Ezetimibe


5.5 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Absorption

Administration of a single 10-mg dose of ezetimibe in fasted adults resulted in peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) of 3.4-5.5 ng/mL within 4-12 hours (Tmax). The Cmax of the major pharmacologically-active metabolite, ezetimibe-glucuronide, was 45-71 ng/mL and its Tmax was 1-2 hours. Food consumption has minimal effect on ezetimibe absorption, but the Cmax is increased by 38% when administered alongside a high-fat meal. The true bioavailability of ezetimibe cannot be determined, as it is insoluble in aqueous media suitable for intravenous injection.


Route of Elimination

Approximately 78% and 11% of orally administered radiolabelled ezetimibe are recovered in the feces and urine, respectively. Unchanged parent drug is the major component in feces and accounts for approximately 69% of an administered dose, while ezetimibe-glucuronide is the major component in urine and accounts for approximately 9% of an administered dose. High recovery of unchanged parent drug in feces suggests low absorption and/or hydrolysis of ezetimibe-glucuronide secreted in the bile.


Volume of Distribution

The relative volume of distribution of ezetimibe is 107.5L.


Clearance

There are no pharmacokinetic data available on the clearance of ezetimibe.


Ezetimibe is the first member of a new class of selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors. The drug and its active glucuronide metabolite impair the intestinal reabsorption of both dietary and hepatically excreted biliary cholesterol through inhibition of a membrane transporter yet to be identified. Absorption of ezetimibe is rapid and not altered by food content following oral administration. The drug is not metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system but extensive glucuronidation takes place in the intestine. Consequently, plasma concentrations of ezetimibe represent approximately 10% of total ezetimibe in plasma. Enterohepatic recirculation observed for ezetimibe and its glucuronimide significantly increases the residence time of these compounds in the intestine, at their site of action. Elimination of ezetimibe glucuronimide appears impaired in elderly patients and patients with renal insufficiency with plasma concentrations increased 1.5- to 2-fold. So far, no drug interaction study has been associated with major changes in either the pharmokinetics of ezetimibe or coadministered drugs.

PMID:14571304 Simard C, Turgeon J; Can J Clin Pharmacol 10 (Suppl A): 13A-20A (2003).


Ezetimibe lowers plasma cholesterol levels by inhibiting the uptake of cholesterol in the intestine. Due to extensive enterohepatic circulation of ezetimibe, relative low doses are required to be effective. In blood and bile the majority of ezetimibe is present as a glucuronide-conjugate, which is formed in the enterocyte. Presently, it is not clear which mechanisms are responsible for this efficient enterohepatic circulation. Abcc2, Abcc3 and Abcg2 are ABC transporters, which are expressed in both liver and intestine and are capable of transporting glucuronidated compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of these transporters in the enterohepatic cycling of ezetimibe-glucuronide (Ez-gluc). Transport studies were performed in plasma membrane vesicles from ABCC2, ABCC3 and ABCG2 expressing Sf21 insect cells. Furthermore, intestinal explants from wild-type and Abcc3-/- mice were used to study vectorial transport in an Ussing chamber setup. Finally, biliary excretion of Ez-gluc was measured in vivo after duodenal delivery of ezetimibe in wild-type, Abcc3-/-, Abcc2-/-, Abcg2-/- and Abcg2-/-/Abcc2-/- mice. ABCC3-, ABCC2- and ABCG2-mediated transport was dose dependently inhibited by Ez-gluc. In the Ussing chamber Ez-gluc recovered from the basolateral side was significantly reduced in duodenal (2.2%), in jejunal (23%) and in ileal (23%) tissue of Abcc3-/- compared to wild-type mice. Biliary excretion of Ez-gluc was significantly reduced in Abcc3-/- (34%), Abcc2-/- (56%) and Abcg2-/-/Abcc2-/- (2.5%) compared to wild-type mice. These data demonstrate that enterohepatic circulation of Ez-gluc strongly depends on the joint function of Abcc3, Abcc2 and Abcg2.

PMID:19443695 de Waart DR et al; Drug Metab Dispos. 2009 May 14. (Epub ahead of print).


It is not known whether ezetimibe is excreted into human breast milk. In rat studies, exposure to total ezetimibe in nursing pups was up to half of that observed in maternal plasma.

Thomson Health Care Inc.; Physicians' Desk Reference 63 ed., Montvale, NJ 2009, p. 2158


After oral administration, ezetimibe is absorbed and extensively conjugated to a pharmacologically active phenolic glucuronide (ezetimibe-glucuronide). After a single 10-mg dose of Zetia to fasted adults, mean ezetimibe peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) of 3.4 to 5.5 ng/mL were attained within 4 to 12 hours (Tmax). Ezetimibe-glucuronide mean Cmax values of 45 to 71 ng/mL were achieved between 1 and 2 hours (Tmax). There was no substantial deviation from dose proportionality between 5 and 20 mg. The absolute bioavailability of ezetimibe cannot be determined, as the compound is virtually insoluble in aqueous media suitable for injection.

Thomson Health Care Inc.; Physicians' Desk Reference 63 ed., Montvale, NJ 2009, p. 2159


5.6 Metabolism/Metabolites

In humans, ezetimibe is rapidly and extensively metabolized via a phase II glucuronide conjugation reaction in the small intestine and liver to form its main phenolic metabolite, ezetimibe glucuronide. The main human liver and/or intestinal uridine 5-diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes responsible for the glucuronidation of ezetimibe were shown to be UGT1A1, 1A3, and 2B15 _in vitro_. Minimal phase I reaction involving oxidation of ezetimibe also occurs to form SCH 57871, and human jejunum microsomes also produced trace levels of a benzylic glucuronide (SCH 488128). Ezetimibe glucuronide accounts for 80-90% of the total circulating compound in plasma, and retains some pharmacological activity in inhibiting intestinal cholesterol uptake. In humans, ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide constitutes approximately 93% of the total drug in plasma. Plasma concentration-time profiles exhibit multiple peaks, suggestive of enterohepatic recycling, and about 20% of the drug distributed is reabsorbed due to enterohepatic recirculation.


Ezetimibe is primarily metabolized in the small intestine and liver via glucuronide conjugation (a phase II reaction) with subsequent biliary and renal excretion. Minimal oxidative metabolism (a phase I reaction) has been observed in all species evaluated. In humans, ezetimibe is rapidly metabolized to ezetimibe-glucuronide. Ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide are the major drug-derived compounds detected in plasma, constituting approximately 10 to 20% and 80 to 90% of the total drug in plasma, respectively. Both ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide are eliminated from plasma with a half-life of approximately 22 hours for both ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide. Plasma concentration-time profiles exhibit multiple peaks, suggesting enterohepatic recycling. Following oral administration of (14)C-ezetimibe (20 mg) to human subjects, total ezetimibe (ezetimibe + ezetimibe-glucuronide) accounted for approximately 93% of the total radioactivity in plasma. After 48 hours, there were no detectable levels of radioactivity in the plasma. Approximately 78% and 11% of the administered radioactivity were recovered in the feces and urine, respectively, over a 10-day collection period. Ezetimibe was the major component in feces and accounted for 69% of the administered dose, while ezetimibe-glucuronide was the major component in urine and accounted for 9% of the administered dose.

Thomson Health Care Inc.; Physicians' Desk Reference 63 ed., Montvale, NJ 2009, p. 21259


Ezetimibe has known human metabolites that include Ezetimibe-glucuronide.

S73 | METXBIODB | Metabolite Reaction Database from BioTransformer | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4056560


5.7 Biological Half-Life

Both ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide display an approximate half-life of 22 hours.


Both ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide are eliminated from plasma with a half-life of approximately 22 hours for both ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide.

Thomson Health Care Inc.; Physicians' Desk Reference 63 ed., Montvale, NJ 2009, p. 2159


5.8 Mechanism of Action

Ezetimibe mediates its blood cholesterol-lowering effect via selectively inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol and phytosterol by the small intestine without altering the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. The primary target of ezetimibe is the cholesterol transport protein Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) protein. NPC1L1 is expressed on enterocytes/gut lumen (apical) as well as the hepatobiliary (canalicular) interface and plays a role in facilitating internalization of free cholesterol into the enterocyte in conjunction with the adaptor protein 2 (AP2) complex and clathrin. Once cholesterol in the gut lumen or bile is incorporated into the cell membrane of enterocytes, it binds to the sterol-sensing domain of NPC1L1 and forms a NPC1L1/cholesterol complex. The complex is then internalized or endocytosed by joining to AP2 clathrin, forming a vesicle complex that is translocated for storage in the endocytic recycling compartment. Ezetimibe does not require exocrine pancreatic function for its pharmacological activity; rather, it localizes and appears to act at the brush border of the small intestine. Ezetimibe selectively blocks the NPC1L1 protein in the jejunal brush border, reducing the uptake of intestinal lumen micelles into the enterocyte. Overall, ezetimibe causes a decrease in the delivery of intestinal cholesterol to the liver and reduction of hepatic cholesterol stores and an increase in clearance of cholesterol from the blood. While the full mechanism of action of ezetimibe in reducing the entry of cholesterol into both enterocytes and hepatocytes is not fully understood, one study proposed that ezetimibe prevents the NPC1L1/sterol complex from interacting with AP2 in clathrin coated vesicles and induces a conformational change in NPC1L1, rendering it incapable of binding to sterols. Another study suggested that ezetimibe disrupts the function of other protein complexes involved in regulating cholesterol uptake, including the CAV1annexin 2 heterocomplex.


Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) is a polytopic transmembrane protein that plays a critical role in cholesterol absorption. Ezetimibe, a hypocholesterolemic drug, has been reported to bind NPC1L1 and block cholesterol absorption. However, the molecular mechanism of NPC1L1-mediated cholesterol uptake and how ezetimibe inhibits this process are poorly defined. Here we find that cholesterol specifically promotes the internalization of NPC1L1 and that this process requires microfilaments and the clathrin/AP2 complex. Blocking NPC1L1 endocytosis dramatically decreases cholesterol internalization, indicating that NPC1L1 mediates cholesterol uptake via its vesicular endocytosis. Ezetimibe prevents NPC1L1 from incorporating into clathrin-coated vesicles and thus inhibits cholesterol uptake. ...

PMID:18522832 Ge L et al; Cell Metab 7 (6): 508-19 (2008).


Niemann-Pick C1-like protein (NPC1L1) mediates the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the proximal region of the intestine, a process that is blocked by cholesterol absorption inhibitors (CAIs), including ezetimibe. Using a proteomic approach, /it is/ demonstrated that NPC1L1 is the protein to which ezetimibe and its analogs bind. Next, ... the site of interaction of ezetimibe analogs /was determined/ with NPC1L1 by exploiting the different binding affinities of mouse and dog NPC1L1 for the radioligand analog of ezetimibe, [(3)H]AS. Chimeric and mutational studies indicate that high-affinity binding of [(3)H]AS to dog NPC1L1 depends on molecular determinants present in a 61-aa region of a large extracellular domain (loop C), where Phe-532 and Met-543 appear to be key contributors. These data suggest that the [(3)H]AS-binding site resides in the intestinal lumen and are consistent with preclinical data demonstrating in vivo efficacy of a minimally bioavailable CAI. Furthermore, these determinants of [(3)H]AS binding lie immediately adjacent to a hotspot of human NPC1L1 polymorphisms correlated with hypoabsorption of cholesterol. These observations, taken together with the recently described binding of cholesterol to the N terminus (loop A) of the close NPC1L1 homologue, NPC1, may provide a molecular basis for understanding ezetimibe inhibition of NPC1L1-mediated cholesterol absorption. Specifically, ezetimibe binding to an extracellular site distinct from where cholesterol binds prevents conformational changes in NPC1L1 that are necessary for the translocation of cholesterol across the membrane.

PMID:18682566 Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2516253 Weinglass AB et al; Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105 (32): 11140-5 (2008).


Ezetimibe has a mechanism of action that differs from those of other classes of cholesterol-reducing compounds (statins, bile acid sequestrants [resins], fibric acid derivatives, and plant stanols). The molecular target of ezetimibe has been shown to be the sterol transporter, Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1), which is involved in the intestinal uptake of cholesterol and phytosterols. Ezetimibe does not inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver, or increase bile acid excretion. Instead, ezetimibe localizes at the brush border of the small intestine and inhibits the absorption of cholesterol, leading to a decrease in the delivery of intestinal cholesterol to the liver. This causes a reduction of hepatic cholesterol stores and an increase in clearance of cholesterol from the blood; this distinct mechanism is complementary to that of statins and of fenofibrate.

Thomson Health Care Inc.; Physicians' Desk Reference 63 ed., Montvale, NJ 2009, p. 2159