Can I take Ezetimibe and Furosemide together?

Why this happens

Ezetimibe works in the digestive tract to reduce cholesterol absorption, while furosemide is a diuretic (water tablet) that works in the kidneys. They are processed by different pathways in the body and do not interfere with how the other is absorbed, broken down, or excreted.

What you should do

You can continue to take both medications as prescribed by your doctor. As with any medication, if you notice any new or unusual symptoms, such as extreme muscle pain or severe dehydration, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Important precautions

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

Furosemide is a powerful diuretic. You must report signs of severe dehydration or electrolyte loss, such as extreme thirst, muscle cramps, or severe dizziness, as it can lead to kidney strain.

Sulphonamide allergy

If you are allergic to sulphonamide antibiotics (sulfa drugs), you may also be allergic to furosemide. Inform your healthcare provider before taking this medicine.

Liver disease

You must not take ezetimibe if you have moderate or severe liver disease, or if you have unexplained changes in liver function tests.

Unexplained muscle pain - ezetimibe

You must contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. While rare, this can be a sign of serious muscle breakdown, especially if taken alongside a statin.

Gout

Furosemide can increase the levels of uric acid in your blood, which may trigger a painful gout attack or make existing gout worse.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking ezetimibe. Both alcohol and ezetimibe can affect your liver; combining them may increase the risk of liver damage or inflammation. If you have a history of liver disease, you should be particularly cautious.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking furosemide. Alcohol can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effect of this medicine, which may make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, especially when standing up.

Liquorice (Natural)

Avoid eating large amounts of natural liquorice (black liquorice) while taking furosemide. Natural liquorice can cause your body to lose potassium, and since furosemide also increases potassium loss, the combination can lead to dangerously low potassium levels in your blood.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.