About simvastatine
Statin cholesterol-lowering medicine
Used for
- Lowers high cholesterol and triglycerides
- Reduces risk of heart attack and stroke in people at increased risk
Usual adult dose
Usually 10–40 mg once daily in the evening; dose depends on the condition and other medicines.
Usual dose in children
For familial hypercholesterolaemia, usually 10–40 mg once daily in the evening for ages 10–17.
Common side effects
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Headache
- Digestive upset
- Raised liver enzymes
Important warnings
- Rarely causes serious muscle damage or liver problems
- Avoid with active liver disease
- Grapefruit can increase side effects
- Dose may need adjustment with interacting medicines
Pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy; treatment is generally stopped when pregnancy is recognised.
Breastfeeding
Avoid during breastfeeding because the medicine may pass into milk and affect the infant.
Interactions
- Some antibiotics and antifungals, including clarithromycin and itraconazole
- HIV or hepatitis C antiviral medicines
- ciclosporin, danazol, or gemfibrozil
- Warfarin and other medicines that can increase bleeding
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.