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Indications

REMS


Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Derm: rash, pruritus

Endo: hyperglycemia

GI: abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, flatus, heartburn, altered taste, drug-induced hepatitis, dyspepsia, liver enzymes, nausea, pancreatitis

GU: erectile dysfunction

MS: arthralgia, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, myopathy ( risk with 80 mg dose), RHABDOMYOLYSIS

Neuro: amnesia, confusion, dizziness, headache, insomnia, memory loss, weakness

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS AND ANGIOEDEMA)

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Drug-Food:

Availability

(Generic available)

Route/Dosage

The 80 mg dose should be restricted to patients who have been taking this dose for 12 mo without evidence of muscle toxicity.

Renal Impairment

US Brand Names

FloLipid, Zocor

Action

  • Inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, an enzyme that is responsible for catalyzing an early step in the synthesis of cholesterol.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Lowering of total and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides. Slightly increases HDL cholesterol (HDL-C).
  • Slows the progression of coronary atherosclerosis with resultant decrease in coronary heart disease-related events.

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: lipid-lowering agents

Pharmacologic Classification: hmg coa reductase inhibitors (statin)

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: 85% absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Unknown.

Protein Binding: 95%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Primarily metabolized by the liver via the CYP3A4 isoenzyme; excreted in bile and feces; 13% excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile

(cholesterol-lowering effect)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POdays2–4 wkunknown

After discontinuation.



Patient/Family Teaching

Pronunciation

SIM-va-sta-tin

Pill Image

simvastatin-195-9191.jpg