Simvastatin Drug Information

Simvastatin (
 Zocor®) is a prescription drug licensed for the treatment of high cholesterol and high triglycerides. It comes in tablet form and is typically taken once a day, in the evening.
 
The medication is a type of statin that works by blocking a particular enzyme that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. This action helps to increase HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol"), while decreasing LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol"), total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
 
While many people respond well to simvastatin, drug information should still be reviewed with your healthcare provider before treatment begins. It is important to avoid drinking grapefruit juice with this medicine, as grapefruit products can increase the levels of simvastatin in the blood. You should also talk to your healthcare provider if you have heart disease, hypothyroidism, or diabetes.
 
(Click Simvastatin for more drug information, including who makes this drug, what side effects you should look out for, and what else you should tell your healthcare provider about before starting treatment.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD