Classification: Medication, Statin, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Generic Name: Zocor
Trade Name: simvastatin
Schedule No: Actions: Indications/Uses: Contraindications: Common Side Effects/Toxicity: Patient Education (Key Points): Special Instructions:
Answer (2)
Simvastatin, known by its generic name Zocor, is a medication classified as a statin, or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.
Actions: Statins like simvastatin work by reducing the level of cholesterol in the blood. They inhibit an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver.
Indications/Uses: Simvastatin is primarily used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It is prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart-related issues, particularly in individuals with coronary heart disease, diabetes, or other risk factors.
Contraindications: Simvastatin should not be used in individuals with liver disease, pregnant women, or those who are breastfeeding. It is also contraindicated for those who have shown hypersensitivity to the drug or have a history of muscle disorders linked to statin use.
Common Side Effects/Toxicity: Common side effects may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and muscle pain. In rare cases, serious muscle problems can occur, potentially leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney damage. Liver function should be monitored during treatment.
Patient Education (Key Points): Patients taking simvastatin should follow a cholesterol-lowering diet and maintain an exercise program as advised by their doctor. It's important to take the medication at the same time every day, usually in the evening or at bedtime, as cholesterol production in the body is higher during the night.
Special Instructions: Avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking this medication, as it can lead to increased levels of the drug in the bloodstream, potentially causing more severe side effects. Regular blood tests may be required to monitor cholesterol levels and liver function.
Simvastatin (Zocor) is a statin medication that reduces cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. It is prescribed primarily to lower cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risks, but it has contraindications such as liver disease and pregnancy. Patients should avoid grapefruit juice and regularly monitor their cholesterol and liver function while on this medication.
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