Drug title

Zocor (Simvastatin)

Usage indications

The cholesterol high level is initially processed with the help of exercises, weight loss and diet with low cholesterol and saturated fats level. When the aforementioned measures do not work the cholesterol level can be decreased by taking such drugs as simvastatin. National educational program on cholesterol (NCEP) has published the statement of management board concerning these drugs usage. The treatment principles take into account the cholesterol level and other risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, low cholesterol level and family anamnesis of heart ischemic disease early stage. The cholesterol blood level definition is done at regular intervals during treatment in order to make dose correction.

Application mode

Take Simvastatine strictly in accordance with your doctor recommendations. Consult with your doctor in case you have any questions. Take it with full glass of water. Simvastatine is usually taken before sleep or together with supper. Strictly follow your doctor recommendations. Your doctor might require you to make blood test for liver functions control before Simvastatin treatment and every six months after your treatment or dose increase start. Depending on test results your doctor might define the amount of monitoring you require. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice might interact with Simvstatin and might cause significant danger. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruits in your diet without prior consultation with your doctor. Eat food with low fats and cholesterol content. In order to realize positive effects of Simvastatin avoid greasy food with high amount of cholesterol. It is important to take Simvastatine regularly to get maximum profit. Do not stop simvastatine intake without prior consulation with your doctor. Simvastatine should be taken on a long-term basis for cholesterol high level treatment.

Mechanism of action

Simvastatin is the drug for cholesterol high level treatment. It suppresses the cholesterol production in liver. It decreases general level of cholesterol in blood and the level of ХС LPNP. LDL is a bad cholesterol provoking the development of heart ischemic disease. The decrease of LDL cholesterol slows the progression and can revert the coronary artery disease.

Missed doses

Take this drug as soon as you remember about it. If you remembered about this drug intake during next dose avoid missed dose and continue with your usual schedule. Double dosage intake is prohibited.

Storage

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

Precautions

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with simvastatine. The interaction can cause dangerous consequences. Discuss the intake of grapefruit and grapefruit juices in your diet without prior consultation with your doctor.

Alcohol and simvastatin can harm your liver. Consult with your doctor the amount of alcohol usage.

Simvastatine as a rule is well tolerated. Patients suffering from liver diseases should be cautious during simvastatin intake. Bad liver tests are rare but they can cause treatment stop.

Simvastatin can cause rare cases of miositis.

Simvastatin can increase the risk of myopath if taken together with other drugs such as cyclosporin (Sandimmune), gemfibrosil (Lopid), erythromycin, nicotine acid. Simvastatin can interact with cholestiramin (Questran), varfarin (Coumadin) and cimetidin (Tagamet) to change their amount in blood. When taken Coumadin the blood condition should be monitored to avoid blood extreme liquefaction and bleeding. 

Children should not use simvastatin. 

Simvastatin does not cause habit.

Side effects

As a rule, Simvastatin is well tolerated and side effects are rare. Rare side effects can include constipation, diarrhea, tiredness, gases, heartburn and headache. Main side effects include stomach pains and spasms, vision problems, light giddiness or bleeding, itch, muscle pains or spasms, skin or eyes rash or yellowing.

Additional information

Your doctor can provide you more detailed information about Zocor.