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Simvastatin - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Simvastatin Medication Information

Learn everything you need to know about Simvastatin-pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and when to take or avoid it.

Get up-to-date information on side effects, precautions, warnings, and proper storage to ensure safe usage.

Explore Simvastatin brand names commonly used in India and internationally, along with detailed pricing information. Consult your healthcare provider for tailored medical advice.

Generic Name : Simvastatin
Pronunciation : SIM-va-STAT-in
ICD Code : Y52.6 Therapeutic Classification : Antilipemics

Brand Names or Trade Names of Simvastatin

India :

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 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.

What are the other precautions for Simvastatin?

Avoid changing the dose without doctor's advice.

What are the storage conditions for Simvastatin?

Oral: Store at 5-30°C. Store it in an airtight container and keep away from children.

Simvastatin : Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time to take Simvastatin?

A: Simvastatin should be taken once daily in the evening. Take simvastatin around the same everyday(1 Trusted Source
Simvastatin

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).

Q: Is Simvastatin available in liquid form?

A:  Simvastatin is available as both a tablet and an oral suspension. Shake the suspension bottle well before each use(1 Trusted Source
Simvastatin

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).

Q: Is Simvastatin safe during pregnancy?

A: Statins are not recommended during pregnancy due to their teratogenic effects. Because statin therapy is contraindicated during pregnancy, the treatment options for dyslipidemia are limited(2 Trusted Source
Pregnancy outcomes after maternal exposure to simvastatin and lovastatin

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).

Q: What are the dietary restrictions while taking Simvastatin?

A: Patients taking statins are frequently advised to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice raises simvastatin’s plasma concentrations and increases simvastatin's cholesterol-lowering effect as well as the risk of side effects(3 Trusted Source
Effects of regular consumption of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of simvastatin

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).

Q: Why Simvastatin is best taken at night?

A: Simvastatin is usually best taken at night because morning levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein are much higher(4 Trusted Source
Taking simvastatin in the morning compared with in the evening: randomised controlled trial

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).


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