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Pronunciation

SIM-va-sta-tin

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: lipid-lowering agents

Pharmacologic Classification: hmg coa reductase inhibitors (statin)

Indications

REMS


Action

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

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: 85% absorbed, but rapidly metabolized.

Distribution: Unknown.

Protein Binding: 95%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Extensively metabolized by the liver, most during first pass; 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.

Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

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

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

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS AND ANGIOEDEMA)

Interactions

Drug-drug:

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

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

FloLipid, Zocor

Pot. Nursing Diagnoses

Pill Image

simvastatin-195-9191.jpg

Code

NDC Code