Simvastatin - Drug Information
Generic Name : Simvastatin
Pronunciation : SIM-va-STAT-in
ICD Code : Y52.6 | Therapeutic Classification : Antilipemics
Trade Name(s) :
India - Simvin (10 mg), Vastatin, Sin 10, Simvas (10 mg), Simvastol (10 mg), Biosim, Simlo (10 mg), Simvo (10 mg), Simchol (10 mg), Simvax, SVT (10 mg), Zosta (10 mg), Stisit -10, Alvastin, Simaid, G -Sim, Simstat (10 mg), Simcard (10 mg), Simlip FC, Simvotin (10 mg), Simi, Simvofix (20 mg), Satin (20 mg), Simvas (20 mg), Simvastol (20 mg), Simvin (20 mg), Vastatin (20 mg), Zosta (20 mg), Sin 20, Biosim (20 mg)International - Zocor.
Why is Simvastatin Prescribed? (Indications)
This medication is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, also known as a "statin", used for lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients with appropriate diet. It reduces the risk of cardio vascular diseases, and blood vessels blockage.
When should Simvastatin not to be taken? (Contraindications)
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity, acute liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What is the dosage of Simvastatin?
The recommended dose is 5-20mg/day by orally. The maximum dose is 40mg/day.
How should Simvastatin be taken?
It comes as a tablet to take by mouth (orally). It is usually taken one to three times a day, with or without food. Avoid excessive consumption (> 1 L/day) of grapefruit juice.
What are the warnings and precautions for Simvastatin?
* Caution should be exercised patients with history of liver disease.* It may lead to rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle (rhabdomyolysis), severe infection, low blood pressure, major surgical trauma, uncontrolled seizures or severe metabolic, endocrine and electrolyte disorder.
* Avoid drinking alcohol otherwise it may result in liver failure.
* This medication should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 10 years old and in those who have not reached puberty. Discontinue treatment if there is marked or persistent increase in serum-aminotransferase concentrations.
What are the side effects of Simvastatin?
Central Nervous System- Headache, dizziness, sleeplessness, depression.Gastrointestinal- Nausea, flatulence, distortion of the sense of taste, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation.
Eye- Lens opacities, blurring of vision.
Metabolic- Serum transaminases and CPK elevations.
♦ Musculoskeletal- Muscle pain, muscle weakness and Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy (IMNM).
Miscellaneous- Heartburn, hypersensitivity, sexual dysfunction, and upper respiratory symptoms.