Simvotin

Simvastatin is a hypolipidemic drug that lowers the cholesterol levels of the body. It belongs to the class of statins or HMG CoA inhibitors. It decreases the bad cholesterol levels and triglycerides in the bloodstream. Simvastatin is a vital part of cholesterol lowering treatment plan. It reduces the risk of heart diseases like:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Coronary heart disease

Understating the ailments it is used for:

Simvastatin is given in Hypercholesterolemia that makes the person prone to serious cardiovascular diseases like heart failure, heart attack and angina pectoris.

Understanding the drug Simvastatin:

How it works?

Simvastatin is an antihyperlipidemic or Hypolipidemic drug that is given in hypercholesterolemia as it reduces the elevated levels of lipoproteins and facilitates smooth arterial blood flow.

Simvastatin

Simvastatin acts by interfering in the synthesis of cholesterol and steroids. It stops the activity of the enzyme known as HMG-CoA reductase which has a key role in synthesis and doesn’t allow the formation of Mevalonic acid a precursor for the cholesterol synthesis. Liver makes two third of the daily cholesterol requirement.

Simvastatin increases the removal of LDL-C bad cholesterol levels from the body by up regulation of the LDL-C receptors. It also lowers the raised triglyceride levels and increases the High density lipoprotein levels in the body. Simvastatin avoids the deposition of excessive fat in the body by increasing good cholesterol levels and reducing bad cholesterol levels.

When should you avoid it?

You should not take Simvastatin if you:

• Have allergy to  Simvastatin
• Have liver problems
• Have history of kidney diseases
• Have low blood pressure and thyroid problems
• Drink alcohol
• Have diabetes
• Are suffering from thyroid disease
• Are having epilepsy
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Are breastfeeding

How much to take?

Always take the dose as prescribed by the physician. It is very important to consume medicine timely. The general recommended dose starts from 10 mg or 20 mg and can be increased or decreased depending upon the patient’s severity of the condition and demand.

What are the strengths available?

Simvastatin tablets contain the following six strength combinations on the website:

Simcard 10 mg

Simcard 20 mg

Simvotin 5 mg

Simvotin 40 mg

Zocor 10 mg

Zocor 20 mg

Who is the manufacturer?

Simcard is manufactured by Dr Reddy’s labs, a pharmaceutical giant. It is available on our websites in the pack of 30 tablets.

Simvotin is manufactured by Ranbaxy laboratories limited, a pharmaceutical giant. It is available on our websites in the pack of 30 tablets.

Zocor is manufactured by Fako Pharma, a pharmaceutical giant. It is available on our websites in the pack of 28 tablets.

How to take?

You must swallow the whole tablet with one glass full of water. Do not crush or chew it. Always follow the prescription.

When to take?

Single dose of Simvastatin can be taken once in a day preferably in the evening. It can be taken with or without food a day. It would be best for you to take the medicine at same time daily as it helps to remember when to take the drug.

For how long should it be taken?

It is important to take the drug as instructed by your doctor. Abrupt discontinuation of medicine can cause adverse reactions. So before stopping the drug intake, always consult physician first.

What if you take too much (overdose)?

You may need urgent medical attention or you can talk to your doctor if you encounter any unusual signs and symptoms.

What if you miss the dose?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose then skip the dose and take your next dose on the correct time. Do not double up the dose to compensate for the missed one.

What are the side effects?

All medicines have their side effects, sometimes they are serious but most of the times they are not. Common side effects associated with this drug are as follows:

• Unexplained muscle pain and tenderness
• Weakness
• Mild skin rash
• Stuffy nose
• Insomnia
• Mild pain in muscles

Some serious side effects are mentioned below:

• Mental confusion
• Swelling or unexplained weight gain
• Pain or burning sensation while urination
• Dry mouth and skin
• Blurred vision
• Weight loss
• Increased thirst
• Nausea
• Itching
• Jaundice

Are there any possible drug interactions?

Always inform your doctor about the drugs you are taking till date. Give a complete list of prescription or non prescription drugs and any other disease conditions. This way, doctor is able to decide and give you the list of drugs and other things that may interact with Simvastatin. Drugs listed below may interact with Simvastatin and can hinder its normal functioning:

• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Digoxin
• Fenofibrate
• Medicines containing niacin
• Steroidal drugs
• Anticancer drugs
• Sirolimus or Tacrolimus
• Atorvastatin, Lovastatin and Rosuvastatin
• Colchicine

What are the things to be taken care of?

• Keep the medicine in a close tight container and out of reach of children
• Don’t use the expired drug
• Keep a complete record of all the medicines you are taking along with this medicine
• Always take low cholesterol diet, eat fibrous foods and fruits and do physical exercise as it will give enhanced result in lowering high levels of lipids
• Do not consume grapefruit products while taking this drug
• Eat green vegetables like Carrots, Peas and Green beans. Increase the intake of fibrous products like Apples, bananas and peach as it will really help you in cut down on saturated fat.
• This drug may cause dizziness or blurred vision. So avoid, using sedative drugs or alcohol with it
• Don’t exceed the recommended dose