What Is Simvastatin Used for? (Cont.)

How Does Simvastatin Work?

Simvastatin is part of a class of drugs called statins. The drug works by blocking a particular enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. This causes the liver to make less cholesterol. It also increases the liver's ability to collect and get rid of LDL cholesterol.
 
Because of the effects of Simvastatin, the following forms of cholesterol and fats are decreased:
 
Simvastatin also increases HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).
 
The main goal of any high cholesterol treatment is to lower your LDL cholesterol enough to reduce your risk of developing problems related to high cholesterol (see Effects of High Cholesterol). The higher your risk, the lower your LDL goal will be.
 
(Click High Cholesterol Risk to see what your risk is and what your LDL cholesterol level should be.)
 
Any cholesterol treatment begins with lifestyle changes (such as weight loss, diet, and exercise). If lifestyle changes are not effective at lowering cholesterol to a desirable level, cholesterol medication, such as Simvastatin, may be necessary.
 

Is Simvastatin Used in Children?

Simvastatin has been approved to treat high cholesterol in children ages 10 to 17. An adolescent girl may start Simvastatin one year after her first period.
 

Is Simvastatin Used for Off-Label Reasons?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend certain medications for treating something other than the primary conditions. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, there are no known off-label uses for Simvastatin.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;