Zocor (Simvastatin)

        Zocor is a cholesterol-lowering medication which used to treat high cholesterol levels in the blood. It works by blocking the production of cholesterol in the body, thus can help prevent conditions that can lead to heart attack, heart disease and hardening of the arteries, stroke, and vascular disease. This medication can also reduce these risks in people with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and a history of stroke. Use this medication during a low fat diet to get the best result.

        Take this medication orally with or without food/milk. The recommended starting dose of Zocor for adults is 20 to 40 milligrams once a day in the evening. The dosage can be varied every 4 weeks. The recommended starting dose for children 10 to 17 years old is 10 milligrams once a day in the evening. The dosage can be varied every 4 weeks, but should not exceed 40 mg a day. Girls must have been menstruating for at least 12 months before starting therapy with Zocor. Children under 10 years old only after doctor permission. Note: this instruction presented here just for review. It's very necessary to consult with your doctor before using. It helps you to get the best results.

        Before taking Zocor to consult with your doctor if your medical history includes: a history of alcoholism, liver disease, severe infection, kidney disease, low thyroid function, heart disease, allergies. Try to limit alcohol intake because it can increase side effects. Also note: Zocor may increase your risk for liver problems. During the treatment with Zocor, you may limit the amount of grapefruit or grapefruit juice you may eat or drink (less than 1 quart a day), because grapefruit juice may increase your risk for serious side effects. For woman: Zocor should not be used during pregnancy, becoming pregnancy or lactating. Do not use before breast-feeding without doctor's permission.

        Zocor is not allowed in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases or who are hypersensitivity to any component of this medication. Pregnancy and lactation. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process and the discontinuation of lipid-lowering medications during pregnancy should have little impact on the outcome of long-term therapy of primary hypercholesterolemia. The ability of inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase such as Zocor can decrease the synthesis of cholesterol and possibly other products of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, so Zocor is contraindicated during pregnancy and in nursing mothers. Zocor should be administered to women of childbearing age only when such women are highly unlikely to become pregnant. If the patient conceives while taking this drug, Zocor should be discontinued immediately and the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.

        They may include all types of an allergic reaction. Also, the most possible side effects include muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark coloured urine. Less serious include: mild stomach pain, gas, bloating, stomach upset, heartburn; nausea; constipation; or diarrhoea. If you experience one of them stop using Serevent and tell your doctor as soon as possible. Also, consult with your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual.

        Zocor interact with such types of drugs as danazol; gemfibrozil (Lopid), clofibrate, or fenofibrate; niacin; nefazodone; cholestyramine or colestipol; warfarin; amiodarone, diltiazem, or verapamil; erythromycin, clarithromycin, or telithromycin; an antifungal medication such as itraconazole, fluconazole, or ketoconazole; drugs that weaken your immune systems such as cancer medicine or steroids, cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus, and others; HIV or AIDS medication such as amprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, lopinavir-ritonavir, or saquinavir. Also, note that the interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. As usual, it affects the effect of drugs, so consult with your doctor about how it interactions are being managed or should be managed.

        If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your usual dose next day in the same regularly time.

        Overdose of Zocor is no danger for your life and include such symptoms: myalgia and red urine (in a severe overdose). If you experience one of them call your doctor immediately.

        Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.