Bempedoic Acid
Bempedoic acid is a lipid-lowering medication used to treat elevated LDL cholesterol in adults with primary hyperlipidemia or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. It works by inhibiting ATP citrate lyase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. The medication is often used in combination with ezetimibe (as NEXLIZET) for patients who need additional cholesterol lowering despite statin therapy.
A cholesterol-lowering drug that reduces LDL-C by blocking cholesterol synthesis in the liver, often combined with ezetimibe for enhanced effect.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C10AX15
- RxNorm
- 2282403
- Generic
- Bempedoic Acid
- Class
- atc-c10
- Brands
- Nexletol, Nexlizet
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 180mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
generalavoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; cholesterol synthesis is important for fetal development
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during first trimester when fetal organs are developing
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
generaldiscontinue or avoid
not recommended during breastfeeding; unknown if bempedoic acid passes into breast milk
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyno adjustment needed
can be used in patients 65 years and older; monitor for adverse effects
regular monitoring of cholesterol levels and liver function
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot applicable
not approved for use in patients under 18 years; safety and efficacy not established
not applicable
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment
periodic monitoring of renal function
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution in severe renal impairment; monitor closely
close monitoring of renal function and adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment required for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
periodic monitoring of liver function
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to limited data
close monitoring of liver function and adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
First FDA approval date for Bempedoic Acid (Nexletol)
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Bempedoic Acid
Primary indication
Main therapeutic indication
LDL cholesterol reduction
Average LDL-C reduction when added to statin therapy
Treats primary hyperlipidemia and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in adults requiring additional LDL-C lowering when diet and statin therapy alone are insufficient.
Bempedoic acid inhibits ATP citrate lyase (ACL), an enzyme upstream of HMG-CoA reductase in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, reducing hepatic cholesterol production. In combination products like NEXLIZET, ezetimibe blocks intestinal cholesterol absorption, providing complementary LDL-C reduction.
Oral tablet taken once daily; may cause hyperuricemia, tendon rupture risk, and should be avoided in pregnancy. Common side effects include upper respiratory symptoms and muscle spasms. Not a statin but often used alongside statins for patients who cannot reach LDL goals.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy