Simvastatin Dosing in Children
The recommended starting dose of
simvastatin for children (ages 10 to 17) with
high cholesterol is 10 mg once a day. If your child does not reach his or her
cholesterol goal on the starting dosage, your child's healthcare provider may choose to increase the dose. The dosage can also be decreased if side effects occur. The maximum daily dosage for children is Simvastatin 40 mg.
General Information on Your Simvastatin Dose
Some considerations for people taking Simvastatin include the following:
- Your dose of simvastatin should be taken in the evening, and may be taken with or without food.
- For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Simvastatin will not work if you stop taking it.
The simvastatin dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will depend on a number of factors, including your cholesterol goal. Remember that
lowering cholesterol begins with lifestyle changes (such as weight loss, diet, and exercise). If lifestyle changes alone do not
lower cholesterol to a desirable level, medication such as simvastatin may be necessary. However, when people are taking
cholesterol medication, lifestyle changes are still important for maintaining a
good cholesterol level.
If you are unsure about anything related to dosing with simvastatin, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. And remember -- do not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.