What is Simvastatin?
Simvastatin is a prescription drug that is available in the form of tablets and suspension. It’s available in the brand name drug called Zocor. Simvastatin belongs to the class of drugs known as statins. If you've been diagnosed with high blood cholesterol the medication is used to lower it. It's also used to prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Simvastatin Uses
Simvastatin is a drug that is used in combination with a healthy diet, weight loss, and exercise to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as the need for heart surgery, in people who have or are at risk of developing heart disease. The medication is also used to lower the levels of fatty substances in the blood, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides and it increases the levels of high-density lipoprotein and cholesterol. The drug can also be used to lower cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood in infants and teenagers aged between 10 to 17 with familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia. Simvastatin belongs to the class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (stains). This works by slowing down the production of cholesterol in the body for decreasing the amount of cholesterol that may build up on the walls of the arteries and also block blood flow to the heart, brain and various parts of the body.
Simvastatin Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Simvastatin are:
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Headache
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Itchy or red skin
Some of the serious side effects of Simvastatin are:
- Muscle pain
- Dark red urine
- Decreased urination
- Lack of energy, tiredness, or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark-coloured urine
The common side effects don’t need any medical attention and will disappear as your body gets adjusted to the dosage. But if you are facing any kind of serious or rare side effects then immediately seek medical attention.
Precautions:
Before taking Simvastatin talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which will cause adverse effects on the human body. Before taking the drug check with your doctor if you are having any medical issues such as kidney disease, liver disease and stomach ulcers. Also ask your doctor if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and various herbal products.
How to use Simvastatin?
Simvastatin is available as a tablet and a suspension for oral administration. The tablets are normally taken in the evening once a day. On an empty stomach, the suspension is normally taken once a day in the evening. Before each use, give the suspension a good shake for at least 20 seconds. If you're taking simvastatin suspension, don't measure your dosage with a household tablespoon. Household teaspoons are not precise measuring devices, and if you measure your dosage with one, you may end up with too much or too little medication.
Dosage Forms and Strengths:
Generic: Simvastatin
Form: oral tablet (5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg)
Brand: Zocor
Form: oral tablet (5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg)
Dosage for high cholesterol
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older): Simvastatin 10 to 20 mg should be taken per day.
Child dosage (ages 10–17 years)
10 mg per day
Dosage for reducing the risk of heart disease
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older): The dosage to be taken is 10 to 20 mg per day.
Missed Dose:
If you forget to take a dose every, take it the next day at the normal time. Take no more than two tablets at the same time. Never take more than the recommended dose. Setting an alarm to remind you of your doses will help if you forget them frequently.
Overdose:
It is unlikely that taking an additional dose of simvastatin can harm you. If you're concerned, or if you take more than one dose, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
Warnings for serious Health Conditions
For people with low thyroid function or diabetes:
Rhabdomyolysis is a side effect of simvastatin and other statin drugs. This condition is more likely if you have hypothyroidism or diabetes. Other things to consider are:
- Being a senior
- Having kidney disease
- Use of drugs that interact with simvastatin
For people with Liver disease:
People who are having an active liver disease like cirrhosis should not use simvastin.
Pregnant women:
Simvastatin inhibits cholesterol production, which is beneficial to a developing baby. Consult your doctor if you're pregnant and need therapy for high cholesterol or triglycerides. They should talk about other therapy options when you're pregnant.
Breastfeeding:
It is unknown if simvastatin passes into breast milk. This drug should not be used during breastfeeding due to the risk of serious side effects. While breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about other cholesterol therapy options.
Storage:
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Simvastatin vs Atorvastatin
Simvastatin |
Atorvastatin |
|---|---|
| Simvastatin is a prescription drug that is available in the form of tablet and suspension. It’s available in the brand name drug called Zocor. | Atorvastatin consists of a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors or statins. It is used to lower the blood levels of low-density lipoprotein. |
| Simvastatin belongs to the class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (stains). This works by slowing down the production of cholesterol in the body | Atorvastatin works in reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. The medicines are used together with diet, weight loss and exercise. |
Some of the common side effects of Simvastatin are:
|
The most common side effects of Atorvastatin are:
|
