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Simvastatin, 80g
(Red/ Round/ Imprint: 'RX,' '793')
Overview
Simvastatin is available in tablet form and is typically taken orally. It is sold under various brand names such as Zocor, Simcor, and others. Simvastatin is commonly prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
Medical Uses
Simvastatin is prescribed to treat conditions related to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, including: 1. Hyperlipidemia: Simvastatin is used to lower elevated levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides in the blood. 2. Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: It is prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events in individuals who have a high risk due to underlying conditions such as diabetes, a history of heart disease, or other risk factors.
Side Effects
Common
headache
muscle pain
weakness
nausea
constipation
stomach upset
fast or irregular heartbeat
Serious
liver problems
muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
allergic reactions
increased urination
joint pain
loss of consciousness
lower back or side pain
Drug Interactions
Simvastatin can interact with other medications, including those used to lower cholesterol (e.g., fibrates), certain antibiotics, antifungal medications, and some HIV medications, such as delavirdine, fenofibrate orfluconazole. These interactions can increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of Simvastatin.
Dosing
The dosage of Simvastatin may vary depending on individual factors such as cholesterol levels, response to treatment, and other medical conditions. The usual starting dose is 10 to 40 mg once daily, taken in the evening.
Notes
Before you start taking simvastatin, tell your doctor if you are already using any of these other medicines: lomitapide; or heart medication - amiodarone, amlodipine, diltiazem, dronedarone, ranolazine, verapamil.
To make sure simvastatin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
history of liver disease
history of kidney disease
diabetes
a thyroid disorder
drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take Simvastatin regularly as prescribed. It is usually recommended to take it in the evening, as cholesterol production in the body is typically higher during the night. Routine monitoring of cholesterol levels and liver function may be necessary while taking Simvastatin. Simvastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
In addition, grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with simvastatin and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking this medicine. Avoiding drinking alcoholIt is another important things. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.
Do not take simvastatin if you are pregnant. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Simvastatin also may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.
Citation:
Sanjai Sinha, MD.(2022, Aug 4).Simvastatin. Drugs.com, https://www.drugs.com/simvastatin.html
Monica Valentovic. (2007).Simvastatin. ScienceDirect., https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/simvastatin
Pedersen, T. R., & Tobert, J. A. (2004). Simvastatin: a review. Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 5(12), 2583–2596, https://doi.org/10.1517/14656566.5.12.2583
Simvastatin Interactions. Drugs.com, https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/simvastatin.html
Simvastatin - Uses, Side Effects, and More. WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6105/simvastatin-oral/details
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