Zocor

Indicated to support the reduction of cholesterol levels, formulated to mitigate cardiovascular risk by inhibiting a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis.

Strengths: 5 · 10 · 20 · 40mg

Medicine details

Therapeutic class

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor

Pharmacological class

Statin

Contraindications

hypersensitivity to simvastatin; active liver disease; pregnancy; breastfeeding

Minor side effects

headache; constipation; nausea

Moderate side effects

myalgia; abdominal pain; dizziness

Dosage forms

Film-coated tablet

Administration route

Oral use

Prescription status

POM

Manufacturer

MSD

Onset Time

2 weeks

Duration

4–6 weeks

Storage instructions

Store below 30°C.

Drug interactions

grapefruit juice; amiodarone; verapamil

Age restrictions

Typically for adults.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy: contra-indicated. Breastfeeding: contra-indicated.

Precautions and warnings

report unexplained muscle pain immediately; regular liver function monitoring advised

Serious side effects

rhabdomyolysis — requires immediate medical attention; myopathy — requires immediate medical attention; hepatitis — requires immediate medical attention

Patient summary

Indicated to support the reduction of cholesterol levels, formulated to mitigate cardiovascular risk by inhibiting a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis.

Mechanism of action

Simvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. It competitively inhibits the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver.

Zocor

Indicated to support the reduction of cholesterol levels, formulated to mitigate cardiovascular risk by inhibiting a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis.

Editorial Notes

  • Active ingredient(s): Simvastatin
  • Listed indication(s): Hypercholesterolaemia, Coronary Heart Disease

Usually available as

  • 180 tablets - 5 mg248-5-mg-4630
  • 120 tablets - 10 mg248-10-mg-4635
  • 90 tablets - 20 mg248-20-mg-4641