Final answer:
Ezetimibe may be prescribed over other similar drugs due to its unique mechanism of action, good safety profile, and convenience of once-daily dosing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ezetimibe is prescribed over other drugs that work similarly due to its unique mechanism of action. Ezetimibe works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine, which reduces the total amount of cholesterol in the body. Other drugs, such as statins, work by inhibiting the synthesis of cholesterol in the body. By targeting different steps in the cholesterol metabolism pathway, ezetimibe can be used in combination with other drugs to further reduce cholesterol levels.
Additionally, ezetimibe has been shown to have a good safety profile with minimal side effects. This can make it a preferred choice for patients who may not tolerate other cholesterol-lowering medications. For example, some patients may experience muscle pain or liver abnormalities when taking statins, but these side effects are less common with ezetimibe.
Furthermore, ezetimibe is available as a once-daily oral tablet, which offers convenience and improved adherence to the treatment regimen. This can be beneficial for patients who have difficulty remembering to take multiple doses or have other medication scheduling challenges.