Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
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Brand Name :
Zocor, FloLipid
Synonyms :
simvastatin
Class :
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, Antilipemic Agent
Brand Name :
Zocor, FloLipid
Synonyms :
simvastatin
Class :
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, Antilipemic Agent
ADULT DOSING
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Tablet
5 mg
10 mg
20 mg
40 mg
Suspension
20 mg/5 ml
40 mg/5 ml
Low LDL Cholesterol (Hypobetalipoproteinemia)Â
Take an initial dose of 10 to 20 mg orally one time daily
Take a maintenance dose of 5 to 40 mg orally one time daily
Daily dose should not be more than 40 mg
Familial HypercholesterolemiaÂ
Take a dose of 40 mg orally one time daily
Daily dose should not be more than 40 mg
Off-label:
For the first six weeks, it was given as a single daily dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day
For the remaining 46 weeks the dose was increased to 1.0 mg/kg/day
40 mg/day as maximum dose
Weight-based dose modifications were made at 6, 14, and 20 months
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Tablet
5 mg
10 mg
20 mg
40 mg
Suspension
20 mg/5 ml
40 mg/5 ml
Familial HypercholesterolemiaÂ
For >10 years old:
Take an initial dose of 10 mg orally one time daily in evening
Take a maintenance dose of 10 to 40 mg orally one time daily in evening
Daily dose should not be more than 40 mg
Refer to adult dosingÂ
may enhance the serum concentration of amlodipine
simvastatin: it may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
simvastatin: it may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
simvastatin: it may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
simvastatin: it may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
simvastatin: it may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
may increase the toxic effects of antibiotics
may diminish the serum concentration when combined with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
may enhance the serum concentration of fostemsavir
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with simvastatin
niacin: they may increase the myopathic effect of simvastatin
ciprofloxacin: it may increase the myopathic effect of simvastatin
fostamatinib: it may enhance the serum concentration of simvastatin
lacidipine: it may enhance the serum concentration of simvastatin
simeprevir: it may enhance the serum concentration of simvastatin
CYP3A4 inhibitors increase the concentration of active metabolites of simvastatin in the serum
CYP3A4 inhibitors increase the concentration of active metabolites of simvastatin in the serum
CYP3A4 inhibitors increase the concentration of active metabolites of simvastatin in the serum
CYP3A4 inhibitors increase the concentration of active metabolites of simvastatin in the serum
CYP3A4 inhibitors increase the concentration of active metabolites of simvastatin in the serum
It may diminish the effect when combined with griseofulvin by CYP3A4 metabolism
It may enhance the effect when combined with miconazole vaginal by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
simvastatin: it may enhance the toxic effect of daptomycin
nafcillin will decrease the effect of action of simvastatin by affecting enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism.
when both drugs are combined, there may be a decreased effect of simvastatin by affecting hepatic or intestinal enzyme cyp3a4 metabolism  
may increase the toxic effects of antibiotics
cyclosporine: it may enhance the serum concentration of simvastatin
danazol: it may enhance the serum concentration of simvastatin
erythromycin: it may enhance the serum concentrations of simvastatin
fosamprenavir: it may enhance the serum concentration of simvastatin
gemfibrozil: it may increase the myopathic effect of simvastatin
itraconazole: it may enhance the serum concentration of simvastatin
may enhance the anticoagulant effect of Vitamin K Antagonists
may enhance the anticoagulant effect of Vitamin K Antagonists
may enhance the anticoagulant effect of Vitamin K Antagonists
may enhance the anticoagulant effect of Vitamin K Antagonists
may enhance the anticoagulant effect of Vitamin K Antagonists
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with simvastatin
It may enhance toxicity when combined with cholic acid by diminishing the elimination
simvastatin: they may enhance serum concentrations of CYP3A Inhibitors
simvastatin: they may enhance serum concentrations of CYP3A Inhibitors
simvastatin: they may enhance serum concentrations of CYP3A Inhibitors
simvastatin: they may enhance serum concentrations of CYP3A Inhibitors
simvastatin: they may enhance serum concentrations of CYP3A Inhibitors
simvastatin: it may reduce the serum concentration of diltiazem
simvastatin: it may enhance the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
simvastatin: it may enhance the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
simvastatin: it may enhance the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
simvastatin: it may enhance the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
simvastatin: it may enhance the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased level of serum concentration of etoposide   
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased level of serum concentration of vinblastine  
the effect of simvastatin is decreased by lorlatinib, by altering intestinal or hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism
may increase the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonist
may increase the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonist
may increase the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonist
may increase the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonist
may increase the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonist
may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inhibitors
may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
may increase the myopathic effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
amiodarone: it may enhance serum concentrations of simvastatin
bempedoic acid: it may enhance the serum concentration of simvastatin
dronedarone: it may enhance serum concentrations of simvastatin
lercanidipine: it may enhance the serum concentration of simvastatin
levamlodipine: it may enhance the serum concentration of simvastatin
ranolazine: it may enhance the serum concentration of simvastatin
ticagrelor: it may enhance the serum concentration of simvastatin
verapamil: it may enhance serum concentrations of simvastatin
letermovir: it may enhance the serum concentration of simvastatin
lonafarnib: it may enhance the serum concentration of simvastatin
tipranavir: it may enhance the serum concentration of simvastatin
verapamil: it may enhance the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
may increase the toxicity of each other when combined
Actions and SpectrumÂ
simvastatin works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase and they helps to lower LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.Â
It also increases the number of LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells. These receptors help the liver to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood more effectively.
Frequency defined
1-10%
Eczema
Abdominal pain
Edema
Myalgia
Gastritis
Vertigo
Atrial fibrillation
Nausea
Headache
Bronchitis
Upper respiratory infection
Frequency not defined
Diarrhea
Dyspepsia
Skin rash
Increased gamma-glutamyl transferase
Flatulence
Asthenia
Post marketing report
Flushing
Vasculitis
Alopecia
Cutaneous nodule
Erythema multiforme
Lichen planus
Changes in nails
Changes of hair
Pruritus
Skin discoloration
Urticaria
Xeroderma
Anaphylaxis
Angioedema
Hypersensitivity reaction
Hepatic failure
Hepatitis
simvastatin may cause myopathy, which is characterized by muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
Rhabdomyolysis, a more serious form of myopathy, can occur and may lead to kidney damage and other complications.
Contraindication:
Caution:
Patients with thyroid disorders should be carefully monitored while taking simvastatin.
Pregnancy consideration:
Pregnancy category: N/A
Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown
Pregnancy Categories:     
Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category.
Pharmacology
simvastatin inhibits the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. It reduces the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonic acid.
Pharmacodynamics
Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase leads to a decreased synthesis of cholesterol in liver cells. As a result, less cholesterol is produced within the liver, reducing the total cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
simvastatin is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral intake.
Distribution
simvastatin is distributed throughout the body.
Metabolism
simvastatin undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver.
Elimination and excretion
simvastatin is primarily excreted through the urine.
simvastatin is taken orally and available in the form of tablets and suspension.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: simvastatin
Why do we use simvastatin?
simvastatin is used to manage individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia.
simvastatin is commonly indicated to individuals with high levels of LDL cholesterol.
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