subject: Simvastatin and Your Cholesterol [print this page] Simvastatin and Your Cholesterol Simvastatin and Your Cholesterol
Simvastatin is part of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that lowers cholesterol by means of inhibiting an enzyme in your liver that produces cholesterol. It also helps reduce the amount of triglycerides and bad cholesterol in your blood.
Statins or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are drugs that lower your cholesterol. Simvastatin belongs in this group together with lovastatin, fluvastatin, resovastatin and atorvastatin.
Marketed under the brand name, Zocor, Simvastatin lowers your cholesterol by suppressing an enzyme in your liver from producing cholesterol. It also lowers the total low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level in your blood as well as triglycerides. Studies showed that LDL cholesterol increases a person's risk to develop coronary artery disease.
Meanwhile, it also helps increase the high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level to lower your risk for coronary artery disease.
How to Take:
As an enzyme blocker, Simvastatin is used together with proper diet to help lower cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. Usually, your doctor will prescribe you this medication if non-medical treatment options such as increase in exercise, weight loss and diet change failed to lower your cholesterol.
Simvastatin can be used by both adults and children 10 years and older. Young girls should have their menstrual periods for at least one year already before they start taking Simvastatin. This drug is usually taken once a day, preferably in the evening, with or without food.
When Not to Take:
It is important that you tell your doctor of any allergy that you have before taking Simvastatin, especially if you are allergic to one of the ingredients in the drug. The drug is not prescribed to those with history or active liver disease, history of kidney disease, underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism, alcohol use, diabetes or heart disease.
Notification of your doctor is needed if you require a major surgery, have serious illness or trauma. Additionally, caution is advised if this drug will be used by an elderly because muscle damage is one of the known side effects.
Some drugs that should not be combined with Simvastatin are blood thinners, cholestyramine, digoxin and other medications that may affect certain liver enzymes.
Read more about Simvastatin in the newly published Simvastatin Review for more information.
