Simvastatin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Uses of Simvastatin

What drug Simvastatin?

Simvastatin is a drug that works to lower cholesterol and bad fats (such as LDL, triglycerides). This drug can also help increase good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood.

Simvastatin belongs to the class of statin drugs. This drug works by lowering the amount of cholesterol the liver produces. Lowering bad cholesterol, triglycerides, and increasing good cholesterol which can help prevent heart disease, stroke and heart attack.

Apart from changing your diet to a healthy diet (such as a low cholesterol diet or a low fat diet), other lifestyle changes that can help this drug work optimally are exercise, losing weight to ideal, and quitting smoking. Consult a doctor for more details.

The simvastatin dosage and side effects of simvastatin are detailed below.

What are the rules for taking simvastatin?

Simvastatin is an oral medication that is taken usually once a day at night.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medicines you are taking. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about the products you are currently using (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products).

The maximum dose for simvastatin is usually 40 mg per day. If you have been instructed by your doctor to take more than 40 mg, continue with the same dose. However, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this drug at higher doses.

Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition won't get better any faster, and the risk of serious side effects can actually increase.

Take this drug regularly to get optimal benefits. Don't forget to drink it at the same time every day. It is important to continue treatment even if you feel better because most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.

It is also important to continue your doctor's advice regarding the diet (dietary regulation) and exercise you should do. It may take up to 4 weeks for you to feel the benefits of this medicine.

How do I store simvastatin?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.

Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Simvastatin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the simvastatin dosage for adults?

The following is the simvastatin dosage recommended for adults:

• Simvastatin dose for heart disease prevention: 5-40 mg orally once a day at night
• Simvastatin dose for people with coronary heart disease or those at high risk for coronary heart disease: 10-20 mg orally once a day at night, starting with diet and exercise.
• The simvastatin dose for patients at high risk of coronary heart disease due to diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, history of stroke, or other cerebrovascular disease: 40 mg orally once a day at night
• Simvastatin dose for reduced cardiovascular risk: 5-40 mg orally once a day at night
• Simvastatin dosage for sufferers homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: 40 mg orally once a day at night

What is the dose of simvastatin for children?

To date, there is no research evidence explaining the safety and effectiveness of this drug for children younger than 18 years. The administration of simvastatin for children should be done under the supervision of a doctor.

In what dosage and preparation is simvastatin available?

Simvastatin is available in tablets of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg

Simvastatin Side Effects

What side effects can be experienced due to simvastatin?

Most medicines can cause side effects in certain people after consumption. This also applies to the drug simvastatin.

The mild side effects of simvastatin are:

• headache
• joint pain, mild muscle pain
• constipation, upset stomach or digestive problems, mild nausea
• mild skin rash
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• flu symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat

In addition to the side effects above, it is possible that simvastatin can trigger an allergic drug reaction. Seek immediate medical help if you experience the following signs of an allergic reaction:

• itchy rash
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects of simvastatin as below:

• unexplained muscle pain, aches, or weakness
• confusion, problems with memory
• fever, unusual fatigue, and dark urine
• pain or heat when urinating
• swelling, weight gain, little or no urination
• increased thirst, increased urination frequency, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, mud-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using this drug?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make.

Some things that need to be considered before taking this drug, include:

1. Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell if you have other types of allergies, such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

2. Children

Research to date has not shown a specific problem in children that will limit the effectiveness of simvastatin in children aged 10-17 years. However, it is not yet known how it is safe and effective for children under 10 years.

3. Elderly

Sufficient research to date has shown no specific problems in the elderly that will limit the effectiveness of simvastatin in the elderly.

However, the elderly are more likely to suffer from muscle-related problems, which elderly patients taking simvastatin may need to watch out for.

Is simvastatin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Simvastatin is included in the pregnancy risk category X (contraindications) according to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it should not be used for pregnant women.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using any medication.

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with simvastatin?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur.

In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

According to Healthline, here is a list of drugs that can potentially trigger interactions with simvastatin:

1. CYP3A4 inhibitors

CYP3A4 inhibitor drugs should not be taken with simvastatin. This is because these drugs make it difficult for the body to digest simvastatin.

Some examples of CYP3A4 inhibitors are:

• ketoconazole
• voriconazole
• ritonavir
• nefazodone

2. Other cholesterol-lowering drugs

If you have chosen simvastatin as a cholesterol-lowering drug, avoid taking other types of cholesterol-lowering drugs. The reason is, the consumption of different types of cholesterol-lowering drugs can trigger side effects in the form of rhabdomyolysis and myopathy.

Some examples of cholesterol-lowering drugs are:

• gemfibrozil
• fenofibrate
• niacin
• lomitapide

3. Blood thinners

Blood thinners, such as warfarin, can cause bleeding when combined with simvastatin.

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Smoking or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

Avoid eating red grapefruit or drinking red grapefruit juice while using this medicine unless your doctor allows it.

Grapefruit grapefruit can increase the dose of this medicine in your blood. Consult your doctor and pharmacist for more info.

What health conditions can interact with simvastatin?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, such as:

• Kidney illness
• hypothyroidism
• diabetes

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.