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GENERIC
NAME: simvastatin
BRAND NAME:
Zocor
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:
Simvastatin is a cholesterol- lowering medicine.
It inhibits the production of cholesterol by the
liver. It lowers overall blood cholesterol as
well as blood LDL cholesterol levels. LDL
cholesterol is believed to be the "bad"
cholesterol that is primarily responsible for
the development of coronary artery disease.
Lowering LDL cholesterol levels retards
progression and may even reverse coronary artery
disease.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: tablets: 5
mg,10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg
STORAGE: Tablets should be
stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: High blood
cholesterol is first treated with exercise,
weight loss, and a diet low in cholesterol and
saturated fats. When these measures fail,
cholesterol-lowering medications such as
simvastatin can be added. The National
Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has
published treatment guidelines for use of these
medications. These treatment guidelines take
into account the level of LDL cholesterol as
well as the presence of other risk factors such
as diabetes, hypertension, cigarette smoking,
low HDL cholesterol level, and family history of
early coronary heart disease. The effectiveness
of the medication in lowering cholesterol is
dose related. Blood cholesterol determinations
are performed in regular intervals during
treatment so that dosage adjustments can be
made.
DOSING: May be taken on an
empty or full stomach.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Simvastatin is generally well- tolerated. The
medication should be used with caution in
patients with alcohol or other liver diseases.
Persistently abnormal liver tests during
treatment are rare, but may lead to a
discontinuation of the medication. Rare cases of
muscle inflammation (myositis) and breakdown
have been reported with simvastatin. Muscle
breakdown causes the release of muscle protein
(myoglobin) into the blood and kidney tubules,
resulting in acute kidney failure. The risk of
muscle breakdown is increased when simvastatin
is given together with other medications such as
cyclosporine (Sandimmune), gemfibrozil (Lopid),
erythromycin and nicotinic acid. Simvastatin may
interact with cholestyramine (Questran),
warfarin (Coumadin), and cimetidine (Tagamet) to
alter the blood levels of these medicines. When
Coumadin is given together with simvastatin,
blood clotting times require monitoring to avoid
excessive blood thinning and bleeding.
Simvastatin should not be used in children.
Simvastatin is not habit forming.
PREGNANCY: Simvastatin
should not be used by pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS:
Simvastatin should not be used by nursing
mothers because of potential adverse side
effects to the nursing infant.
SIDE EFFECTS: Simvastatin
is generally well-tolerated and side effects are
rare. Minor side effects include constipation,
diarrhea, fatigue, gas, heartburn, and headache.
Major side effects include abdominal pain or
cramps, blurred vision, dizziness, easy bruising
or bleeding, itching, muscle pain or cramps,
rash, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
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