Ezetimibe is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It is a "cholesterol absorption inhibitor" that works by partially blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, which means less cholesterol enters the blood from food and bile so the liver has to take more cholesterol out of the blood to make more bile, which is needed for digestion. Ezetimibe can lower LDL cholesterol (sometimes called bad cholesterol) by 15-22% when used by itself, or 21-27% if its used in combination with a statin. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Ezetimibe is prescribed to treat high blood cholesterol and can be used alone or in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medicines called statins. It is available on prescription only and treatment with ezetimibe is usually for life. Common side effects include stomach (abdominal) pain and diarrhea.