Zocor

Generic Name: Simvastatin

US Brand Name: Zocor.

Other Brand/Trade Names:

Simvastatin is also known under the following brand names: Denan, Liponorm, Sinvacor, Sivastin, Lipovas, Lodales, Zocord , Zimstat, Simvahexal, Lipex , Simvastatin-Teva, Simvacor, Simvaxon, Simovil, Simvotin.

Uses

Simvastatin is used for lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in patients who have been unable to lower it by diet, in addition to a cholesterol-lowering diet.

Active Ingredients: Simvastatin

Inactive Ingredients:

Tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxides, lactose, magnesium stearate, starch, talc, titanium dioxide and other ingredients, butylated hydroxyanisole.

Dosage and Forms

Simvastatin is available in form of tablets.

Take each dose of Simvastatin as scheduled by your doctor, with a full glass of water or with food to minimize dizziness.

When combined with cyclosporine, niacin, Atromid-S, Lopid, or Tricor, the dosage of Zocor should not exceed 10 milligrams a day. When combined with Calan or Cordarone, the dosage of Zocor should not exceed 20 milligrams a day.

The Simvastatin overdose may become apparent by the following symptoms: drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. If the overdose took place, seek for emergency medical attention.

Contraindications and Precautions

The presence of the following medical problems may affect the use of Simvastatin: diabetes, underactive thyroid, kidney or liver disease, a muscle disorder, metabolism, hormonal, or electrolyte problems, low blood pressure, a history of seizures. Besides, Simvastatin can cause birth defects, that’s why it’s contraindecated to pregant or breast-feeding women. Also Simvastatin is not for use in children younger then 10 years old.

Side Effects

Common Simvastatin side effects include the following: constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, gas, heartburn, stomach pain/cramps, anorexia, loss of appetite, nausea, inflammation of the pancreas, hepatitis, jaundice, fatty changes in the liver, and, rarely, severe liver damage and failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, muscle cramps, aches, pain, and weakness; joint pain, muscle breakdown, dizziness, headache, insomnia, tingling, memory loss, damage to nerves causing weakness and/or loss of sensation and/or abnormal sensations, anxiety, depression, tremor, loss of balance, psychic disturbances; skin rash, itching, hair loss, dryness, nodules, discoloration, blurred vision, altered taste sensation, progression of cataracts, eye muscle weakness, loss of sexual desire, breast enlargement, impotence.

Interactions

If Simvastatin is combined with one of the following medicines, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered: amiodarone, azole antifungal agents, cyclosporine, danazol, diltiazem, gemfibrozil, grapefruit juice, macrolide antibiotics, nefazodone, niacin, NNRT inhibitors, protease inhibitors, verapamil, anticoagulants, bile acid sequestrants, carbamazepine, cisapride, rifamycins, propranolol.