Zocor -Side Effects, Interactions & Information

Zocor, whose generic name is simvastatin, is a cholesterol lowering medication that is synthetically derived from a fermentation product of Aspergillus terreus. It is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, an enzyme that produces cholesterol in the blood. Simvastatin is butanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-,1,2,3,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,7-dimethyl-8-[2-(tetrahydro-4- hydroxy-6-oxo-2H-pyran-2-yl)-ethyl]-1-naphthalenyl ester, [1S-[1a,3a,7b,8b(2S*,4S*),-8ab]]. The empirical formula of simvastatin is C25H38O5 and its molecular weight is 418.57.

Zocor is a white to off-white, nonhygroscopic, crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water, and freely soluble in chloroform, methanol and ethanol. It is meant for oral use only and comes in tablets of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. Each tablet contains 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg or 40 mg of simvastatin and the following inactive ingredients: cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxides, lactose, magnesium stearate, starch, talc, titanium dioxide and other ingredients. Butylated hydroxyanisole is added as a preservative.

Zocor blocks the production of cholesterol in the body and is used to reduce the total amount of cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B in the blood. Apolipoprotein B a protein that is needed to make cholesterol. Zocor is also used to increase the level of HDL cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of arthrosclerosis, heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. This drug is most effective when it is coupled with a healthy diet and exercise regime.

Some people should not take Zocor. Discuss with your doctor, if you are not allergic to this drug or any of its active ingredients.

• Patients with liver problems should not use Zocor.
• Women who are or may become pregnant should also not use Zocor as this drug can harm the fetus. If a woman does become pregnant while on Zocor, she should stop taking the drug and talk to her doctor immediately. Women who are breast-feeding should also not take Zocor.
• Patients who are also taking the prescription drug Posicor (mibefradil) should avoid Zocor as well.
• People who drink alcohol should also be careful while on Zocor, as alcohol and Zocor can cause liver damage.

Drug Interactions

Zocor is a generally well- tolerated drug. Rare cases of muscle inflammation (myositis) and breakdown have been reported with its use. Muscle breakdown causes the release of muscle protein (myoglobin) into the blood and kidney and can result in kidney failure.

• Do not take medications like cyclosporine (Sandimmune), gemfibrozil (Lopid), erythromycin and nicotinic acid, with Zocor as they can cause kidney failure.
• Zocor can also interact with Questran, Coumadin and Tagamet to alter the blood levels of these medicines. With Coumadin, Zocor can cause excessive blood thinning and bleeding.

Also people on Zocor should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit products as they can interact with this drug to cause potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor, and do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first consulting your doctor first.

Side Effects

Most patients tolerate treatment with Zocor well; however, like all prescription drugs, it can cause side effects, and some of them can be serious. Side effects that do occur are usually mild and short-lived. Minor side effects include

• constipation
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• gas
• heartburn, and
• headaches

Major side effects include;

• abdominal pain or cramps
• blurred vision
• dizziness
• easy bruising or bleeding
• itching
• muscle pain or cramps
• rash, and
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

If you experience of these serious side effects contact your doctor immediately and visit the emergency room of the nearest hospital.