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General Medication Fact Sheet for Zocor
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Zocor |
| Generic Name | Simvastatin |
| Boxed/Label Warning | May cause muscle damage (myopathy) and rhabdomyolysis. The risk is higher at higher doses. |
| Purpose | Lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides; raises HDL cholesterol. Reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets |
| Available Strengths | 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg (80 mg is generally not prescribed due to increased risk of myopathy) |
| Dosage Frequency | Once daily, typically in the evening. |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, abdominal pain, constipation, nausea. |
| Serious Side Effects | Muscle pain/weakness (myopathy), liver problems, allergic reactions. |
| Drug Interactions | Certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin), antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), HIV protease inhibitors, nefazodone, gemfibrozil, niacin (high doses), amiodarone, verapamil, diltiazem, grapefruit juice. |
| Important Notes | Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking. Avoid large quantities of grapefruit juice. Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor immediately. Regular blood tests are needed to monitor liver function and creatine kinase (CK) levels. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Rosuvastatin (Crestor), Pravastatin (Pravachol), Lovastatin (Mevacor) |
Zocor Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atorvastatin (Lipitor) | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor | Another commonly prescribed statin; generally more potent than simvastatin. |
| Rosuvastatin (Crestor) | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor | A potent statin known for its ability to lower LDL cholesterol significantly. |
| Pravastatin (Pravachol) | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor | Less likely to interact with other medications compared to some other statins. |
| Lovastatin (Mevacor) | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor | Similar to simvastatin; can be taken with food to increase absorption. |
Zocor Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Headache | Muscle pain/weakness (myopathy) |
| Abdominal pain | Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) |
| Constipation | Liver problems (elevated liver enzymes) |
| Nausea | Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling) |
| Diarrhea | Memory loss or confusion |
Zocor Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Cholesterol (Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia) | 10-20 mg | 10-40 mg daily (maximum 80 mg, but not generally prescribed) | Take once daily in the evening. |
| High Cholesterol (Non-Familial Hypercholesterolemia) | 10-20 mg | 10-40 mg daily (maximum 80 mg, but not generally prescribed) | Take once daily in the evening. |
| Prevention of Cardiovascular Events | 20-40 mg | 20-40 mg daily (maximum 80 mg, but not generally prescribed) | Take once daily in the evening. |
