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What is Zocor: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 13, 2021  •  Published Dec. 31, 2020

Zocor overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Zocor, FloLipid, Zocor

Generic Names:

  • Simvastatin

Uses:

  • Lowers high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. May reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and related health conditions. This medicine is a statin.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihyperlipidemic

Forms:

  • Suspension, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Zocor used for?

Simvastatin is a medication used to treat high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). Simvastatin belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (or statins). Simvastatin can also be referred to as a lipid lowering medication which means it lowers cholesterol. Simvastatin is a generic medication also available under the trade name Zocor produced by Merck & Co. Simvastatin was released in the late 1980s and became available as a generic medication in 2006. It is one of the most common cholesterol lowering drugs.

What form(s) does Zocor come in

  • Suspension

  • Tablet

What are common Zocor doses?

  • Bottle 90 Tablets

  • Bottle 30 Tablets

Common Zocor prescriptions

  • Zocor
    30 tablets bottle

  • Zocor
    90 tablets bottle

How to take Zocor

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Take the medicine in the evening, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • Oral liquid: Take this medicine on the evening, on an empty stomach.Shake the oral suspension well for at least 20 seconds before using it.Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral liquid: Take this medicine on the evening, on an empty stomach.Shake the oral suspension well for at least 20 seconds before using it.Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take the medicine in the evening, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Zocor contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to simvastatin, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have active liver disease.

Zocor warnings

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, blood vessel disease, low blood pressure, seizures, or a history of stroke or heart disease. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly or have a history of liver disease. Tell your doctor if you are Chinese or have Chinese ancestry.

  • This medicine may cause liver problems, or myopathy or rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle damage).

Zocor interactions

  • Do not use this medicine together with boceprevir, clarithromycin, cobicistat, cyclosporine, danazol, erythromycin, gemfibrozil, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, posaconazole, telaprevir, telithromycin, voriconazole, or medicines to treat HIV/AIDS.

  • Do not use this medicine together with niacin if you are Chinese or have Chinese ancestry.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how simvastatin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Amiodarone, colchicine, daptomycin, digoxin, dronedarone, lomitapide, niacin (vitamin B3), ranolazineBlood pressure medicine (including amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil)Blood thinner (including warfarin)Fibrate medicine

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Zocor side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual tiredness

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fast or uneven heartbeat

  • Trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Constipation

  • Headache

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