Zocor Simvastatin tablets

What Is Zocor (Simvastatin)

Zocor is the brand name of simvastatin, a prescription drug used to lower blood cholesterol.
Zocor belongs to a class of drugs known as statins, also called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
Statins reduce cholesterol levels in your blood by blocking an enzyme needed to make cholesterol, as well as increasing the number of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) receptors in the liver, so the liver can process more of the LDL found in your blood.
By lowering cholesterol, statins help to prevent the buildup of plaque in blood vessels, which can lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart disease, and stroke.
Statins are used to help prevent heart disease in those who don't have it but are at risk, and in those who have already had some form of cardiovascular disease, such as a stroke or heart attack.
Your doctor will prescribe Zocor along with suggesting a healthy diet, weight loss if you need it, and exercise to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other problems.
Zocor, manufactured by Merck & Co., was approved by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) in 1991. The FDA approved the first generic version of simvastatin in 2006, and now many companies offer the generic version.
Zocor is offered in a tablet form or a disintegrating tablet form.

Zocor and Erectile Dysfunction

While some studies have found a link between statins and erectile dysfunction (ED), more recent research has found that the statins actually can improve erectile function.
A 2014 analysis, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, examined the results of 11 previous studies and found evidence that statins produce a significant increase in erectile function.

Zocor Warnings

If you are on the 80-milligram dose of Zocor (the highest), you are at an increased risk of muscle problems such as destruction of skeletal muscle and muscular pain, tenderness, and weakness.
You may have abnormalities in your liver enzymes, though this is rare. Your doctor will check your liver enzymes before starting you on Zocor, and might check them from time to time while you are on the drug.

Pregnancy and Zocor

Zocor should not be used in women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant.
If you are considering pregnancy, you should consider stopping Zocor. If you become pregnant and you are on it, it should be stopped.
If you need cholesterol lowering, and have been on Zocor before your pregnancy, stopping it during pregnancy should have little effect. That's because the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) that can be a result of high cholesterol is a process that happens over time.
It is not certain if Zocor is found in human milk. However, experts advise that women on Zocor should not breastfeed. You should discuss with your doctor whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, weighing the pros and cons of each.

Zocor Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Zocor

Among the side effects with Zocor are:

• Constipation
• Stomach pain, nausea
• Headache
• Confusion, memory problems, forgetfulness

While these side effects may be common, most are not reason enough for patients to stop the medication. Tell your doctor if these persist or seem severe.

Severe Side Effects of Zocor

The following side effects can be serious, so you need to call your doctor or get medical help right away if these occur.

• Weakness, tenderness or pain in muscles
• Decrease in urination, dark or dark red urine
• Fever, chills, flushing
• Hives, itching, swelling of face or other parts
• Upper right stomach area pain
• Breathing problems, hoarseness
• Appetite loss
• Pain in the joints

Zocor Interactions

Certain drugs interact with Zocor and should be avoided. Among them are anti-fungal drugs, some antibiotics, and an antidepressant.

• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Posaconazole (Noxafil)
• Voriconazole (Vfend)
• Erythromycin (E-Mycin, Erythrocin, E.E.S.)
• Telaprevir (Incivek)
• Nefazodone (Serzone)

Other drugs may also interact. For that reason, be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), illegal and recreational drugs, herbal remedies, nutritional and dietary supplements, and all other drugs and treatments you're taking.

Zocor and Alcohol

If you are on Zocor, you should avoid drinking too much alcohol. Ask your doctor about whether to drink and how much.

Zocor and Grapefruit

Avoid grapefruit juice and grapefruit while taking Zocor. It can cause too much of the drug to stay in your body, and that can increase the risk of side effects.

Zocor Dosage

Zocor tablets come in 5 milligrams (mg), 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg.
Usually, the starting dose is 10 or 20 mg once a day, in the evening. If you are at high risk of heart disease, the starting dose is 40 mg daily.
The 80-mg dose is linked with an increased risk of muscular problems, so its use should be only for those who have been taking Zocor in that strength for 12 months or longer without muscle problems.
The recommended starting dose for teens with familial high cholesterol is 10 mg a day, and only 40mg a day maximum.

Zocor Overdose

If you have taken too much Zocor, call your doctor right away or go to the emergency department. A few cases of overdose have been reported.

Missed Dose of Zocor

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the forgotten dose. Simply continue with your regular dosing schedule, and never double up.