Description
Simvastatin is used to lower levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood. This may help prevent medical problems caused by cholesterol clogging the blood vessels. This medication belong to the group of medicines called 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors. They work by blocking an enzyme that is needed by the body to make cholesterol. Thus, less cholesterol is made.
| Manufacturer: Cipla |
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Average Delivery Time: 12 Days |
| Brand Name: Zocor |
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Exp. Date: Approx. March 2009 |
What Is Zocor?
Zocor® (simvastatin) is a prescription medication used for treating a number of conditions related to heart disease, including high cholesterol and high triglycerides.
Who Makes Zocor?
Zocor is manufactured by Merck and Co.
What Is Zocor Used For?
Zocor has been licensed for several uses, including:
Treatment of high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
Treatment of high triglycerides
Prevention of heart or blood vessel disease (known as cardiovascular disease).
Zocor has also been approved for use in children ages 10 to 17 for the treatment of high cholesterol.
How Does Zocor Work?
Zocor is part of a class of drugs called statins. Zocor works by blocking a
particular enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. This causes the liver to make less cholesterol. Zocor also:
Increases the liver's ability to collect and get rid of LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol")
Increases HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol")
Decreases triglycerides.
Effects of Zocor
In previous Zocor research studies, people taking Zocor 20 mg were able to decrease LDL cholesterol by an average of 38 percent, total cholesterol by 28 percent, and triglycerides by 19 percent -- as well as increase HDL by 8 percent. The effects of Zocor were even greater for Zocor 40 mg and Zocor 80 mg.
When and How to Take Zocor
Some general considerations for when and how to take Zocor include:
Zocor comes in tablet form; it is taken once a day. It is recommended that you take your Zocor dose with a glass of water, though you may take it with or without food.
Your Zocor medication should be taken in the evening.
Do not break, chew, or crush the Zocor tablets.
For Zocor to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Zocor will not work if you stop taking it.
Zocor: Dietary Instructions
It is not recommended that you drink grapefruit juice while taking Zocor, because grapefruit juice can increase the levels of Zocor in the blood -- which increases the risk of developing serious muscle problems. If you are being treated with Zocor and want to continue drinking grapefruit juice, talk with your doctor about other cholesterol-lowering medications that you can take.
(Click Grapefruit Juice and Zocor for more information.)
As with any cholesterol medication, you should continue to eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet as part of your cholesterol-lowering treatment program.
Zocor Dosing
The dose of Zocor your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
Your age
The medical condition being treated
Other medical conditions you may have
Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
