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molecule

Simvastatin

Molecule Description

Simvastatin belongs to a group of medicines referred to as Statins. It reduces

levels of bad cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood while increasing the level of good cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein or HDL).

uses

Uses of Simvastatin

This medicine is used along with a proper diet to help lower bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL and triglycerides) and raise good cholesterol in the blood.
contraindications

Contraindications of Simvastatin

When should one not use Simvastatin

  • Allergic to the medicine
  • Metabolic syndrome (blood abnormalities associated with the development of heart diseases)
  • Muscle problems
  • Stroke caused by bleeding in the brain
  • Liver problems
  • Severe renal impairment
  • High blood sugar
  • Abnormal liver function tests
  • Chronic alcoholics
  • Hypersensitivity to the drug
  • Antifungal medicines like Itraconazole, Ketoconazole and Posaconazole
  • Antiretroviral therapy
  • Antibiotics like Erythromycin, Clarithromycin or Telithromycin
  • Antidepressants like Nefazodone
  • Cholesterol-lowering medicine like Gemfibrozil
  • Drugs related to Ciclosporin
sideEffects

Side effects of Simvastatin

Common side effects of this drug are:

Side effects of this medicine are rarely reported, and they may include muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, signs of kidney problems, liver problems, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Simvastatin

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Simvastatin during pregnancy?
A:
Do not take Simvastatin if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy or if you get pregnant while taking Simvastatin. Stop taking the medicine and see your doctor immediately. You should stop the medication of Simvastatin 1 month before trying to be pregnant.
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Simvastatin while breastfeeding?
A:
Do not take Simvastatin if you are breastfeeding because it is unknown if Simvastatin passes into the breast milk.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Simvastatin?
A:
Simvastatin can cause dizziness so make sure you are not affected before you drive.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Simvastatin?
A:
There are no specific health risks associated with drinking alcohol while using Statins. Alcohol won’t immediately interfere with the Statins in your body. However, heavy drinkers or those who already have liver damage due to heavy drinking could be at higher risk for more severe side effects.
otherGeneralWarnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
Tell your doctor before taking Simvastatin if you have had an allergic reaction to Simvastatin or any other medicines in the past, have liver or kidney problems, have severe lung disease, have an unde...
Read more
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Simvastatin

How Does It Work?

This medicine acts by competitively inhibiting a chemical (HMG-CoA reductase), the first and most crucial limiting enzyme of the cholesterol pathway.
interactions

Interactions of Simvastatin

Interactions with other medicines

  • Some medicines don't mix well with Simvastatin, including:
  • Some antibiotics and antifungals
  • Some HIV medicines
  • Some Hepatitis C medicines
  • Warfarin (stops blood clotting)
  • Cyclosporin (treats psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Danazol (treats endometriosis)
  • Nefazodone (treats depression)
  • Amiodarone (makes your heart stable)
  • Verapamil, Diltiazem, Amlodipine (for high blood pressure and heart problems)

Interactions with food items

Grapefruit juice can interfere with how your body handles Simvastatin. You should not drink grapefruit juice if you are taking Simvastatin.
dietaryRestrictions

Dietary Restrictions of Simvastatin

Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all the exercise and dietary suggestions made by your doctor or dietitian.
dosage

Dosage of Simvastatin

Overdose

Simvastatin overdose symptoms are not reported. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have had an overdose of Simvastatin.

Missed a Dose

Take medicine as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY
doctor

Dr. Nikita Toshi

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)

REVIEWED BY
doctor

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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