Zocor (Simvastatin)

What is Zocor?

Zocor (simvastatin) is a lipid lowering agent. It is derived synthetically from a fermentation product of Aspergillus Terreus. It lowers the amount of cholesterol in the body and prevents heart diseases and other conditions of heart such as heart attack, stroke, etc.

What is Zocor used for?

Zocor is used to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the body. It helps in preventing coronary heart disease (CHD), hardening of arteries and other conditions that can lead to heart attack, stroke or cardio-vascular disease. The drug also helps in reducing the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction.

How does Zocor work?

Zocor is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. The enzyme speeds up the conversion process of HMG-CoA to mevalonate. This blocks the production of cholesterol in the body.

Zocor reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and thereby helps in preventing heart diseases.

How to use Zocor

Zocor should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems. The drug is usually taken at bedtime or in the evening, with a full glass of water.

Get your blood tested on a regular basis.

Zocor warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to simvastatin.  Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Zocor as it can raise triglyceride levels. Prior to taking Zocor, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, underactive thyroid, diabetes or muscular disorder.

While using Zocor, avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol content. Also, do not use grapefruit as the interaction can lead to some serious side effects. Pregnant and lactating women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Zocor dose?

If you have missed your Zocor dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Zocor overdose?

If you have taken a Zocor overdose you should seek medical attention.

Zocor interactions

Before taking Zocor, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like warfarin (Coumadin), danazol (Danocrine), nefazodone (Serzone), gemfibrozil (Lopid) or fenofibrate (Tricor), niacin (Nicolar, Nicobid), verapamil (Verelan, Calan, Isoptin), amiodarone (Cordarone), cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid).  diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac), erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek). Such drugs can interact with Zocor.

 Other medicines that may interact with Zocor include antifungul medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral); cancer medicine or steroids, cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf), sirolimus (Rapamune), tacrolimus (Prograf); and HIV or AIDS medication such as indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir), nelfinavir (Viracept), lopinavir-ritonavir (Kaletra), or saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase).

Zocor side effects

Zocor side effects include breathing difficulty, swelling, muscle pain, fever and dark colored urine. If you get any of these side effects after using Zocor, contact your doctor.

Mild stomach pain, nausea, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, stomach upset and heartburn are also some side effects of Zocor.