MedDataToolSimvastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes in adults, especially those with certain health conditions like diabetes or existing heart issues. It works by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol, which helps lower the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood. You take it as a tablet once a day in the evening, starting at a dose of 20 mg, with a maximum dose of 40 mg unless you have been on a higher dose for a long time without side effects. It's important to know that simvastatin should not be taken with certain strong medications, like gemfibrozil, as this can increase the risk of serious side effects. Additionally, if you have severe kidney problems, your doctor may start you on a lower dose.
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Uses
- Coronary heart disease.
- Cerebrovascular disease.
- Peripheral vascular disease.
- Diabetes.
- Primary hyperlipidemia in adults.
- Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in patients aged 10 years and older.
- Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in adults.
- Primary dysbetalipoproteinemia.
- Hypertriglyceridemia.
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Dosage
Take once daily in the evening.
Adults: 20–40 mg daily.
Pediatric patients aged 10 years and older: 10–40 mg daily.
Starting dose for severe renal impairment: 5 mg daily.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
upper respiratory infectionheadacheabdominal painconstipationnauseamyopathy
Serious
rhabdomyolysisimmune-mediated necrotizing myopathyhepatic dysfunction
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Risk of muscle problems like myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
- Monitor liver function tests.
- Increases in blood sugar levels.
- Contraindicated with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
- Use caution in patients with severe renal impairment.
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Drug interactions
- Cyclosporineincreased risk of muscle problemsMonitor
- Gemfibrozilincreased risk of muscle problemsMonitor
- Amiodaronelimit simvastatin to 20 mg dailyCaution
- Verapamillimit simvastatin to 10 mg dailyCaution
- Grapefruit juicemay increase simvastatin levelsCaution
Ask about this drug
Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).