Simvastatin
Generic Details
Generic Name
simvastatin
Other Names
- Zocor
Drug Class
- HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor
- Statins
Chemical Formula
C25H38O5
Molecular Weight
418.566 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase enzyme
Indications
- Hyperlipidemia
- Mixed Dyslipidemia
- Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Oral suspension
Typical Dosage
- 5-80 mg once daily in the evening
Pediatric Dosage
- Not established
Geriatric Dosage
- Dose adjustments may be required in the elderly
Side Effects
- Muscle pain
- Liver enzyme abnormalities
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Headache
- Nausea
Contraindications
- Active liver disease
- Unexplained persistent elevations in serum transaminases
Pregnancy Category
- X - Contraindicated
Lactation Safety
- Limited data available; not recommended during breastfeeding
Drug Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
- Grapefruit juice
Overdose Symptoms
- Myopathy
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Liver enzyme abnormalities
Antidote for Overdose
- Symptomatic and supportive measures
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Highly protein-bound
- Metabolism: Extensively metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Mainly through the feces
Precautions
- Monitoring of liver function tests
- Risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis
Warnings
- Risk of liver damage
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
Others
- May increase the risk of diabetes mellitus