Uses
Simvastatin (Zocor) is known as a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. It works in the liver by stopping the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, which is then eventually converted to cholesterol. This causes the liver to absorb cholesterol that is within the blood stream, and lowers levels of LDL cholesterol along with triglycerides. It is used to treat conditions such high cholesterol, high triglycerides and is used for heart attack prevention.
How to Use
Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.
If stomach upset occurs, you can take it with food or milk to decrease this effect.
Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.
Important Information
Visit your doctor regularly while on this medicine.
Contact a healthcare provider if you experience muscle pain or weakness with or without a fever and fatigue. Your doctor may want you to stop using this medicine if you develop muscle pain.
If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar closely while on this medicine because it can affect your blood sugar levels.
It is important to keep a healthy diet that is low in cholesterol and fat, to maintain a regular exercise routine and to avoid smoking in order to improve your overall heart health while taking this medication.
Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult with your doctor of pharmacist.
If you are having surgery, be sure to tell your doctor or surgeon that you have are taking this medication.
Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication
Regular alcohol consumption, kidney disease, liver disease, muscle aches, muscle weakness, other health conditions, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.
Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider
Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, muscle or joint pain, muscle cramps, fever, darkened urine, fever, confusion, memory loss, any red, blistering or loosening of the skin, changes in the passage of urine, excessive fatigue, yellowish skin or eyes.
Other Side Effects
Constipation, heartburn, upset stomach, stomach gas.
Adult Dose
Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipoproteinemia, and Hypertriglyceridemia
10-20 mg by mouth once daily taken in the evening as a starting dose. The usual range is between 5-40mg.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia
40 mg by mouth once daily taken in the evening.
Cerebrovascular Accident Prophylaxis
40 mg by mouth daily taken in the evening as a starting dose. The usual dose is between 5-40mg by mouth daily.
Sources
1. Simvastatin oral suspension, simvastatin oral suspension. Minneapolis, MN: Perrigo (per FDA); 2016.
2. Zocor ® oral tablets, simvastatin oral tablets[package insert]. Whitehouse Station: NJ, Merck & CO; 2012.
3. Zocor (simvastatin) [package insert]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc.; 2015.
4. Executive Summary of the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). JAMA 2001;285:2486-2497.
