About simvastatin
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
Used for
- Lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
- Reduces risk of heart attack and stroke
Usual adult dose
Usually 10–40 mg once daily in the evening; dose depends on treatment goals and other medicines.
Usual dose in children
For familial high cholesterol, ages 10–17: usually 10–40 mg once daily in the evening.
Common side effects
- Muscle aches or weakness
- Headache
- Digestive upset
- Increased liver enzymes
Important warnings
- Rarely causes serious muscle injury, especially with interacting medicines.
- Can cause liver problems; seek assessment for yellow skin or dark urine.
- Avoid during pregnancy; stop if pregnancy occurs.
- Avoid grapefruit juice and excessive alcohol.
Pregnancy
Avoid during pregnancy; cholesterol treatment is usually unnecessary during pregnancy. Seek medical advice if pregnancy occurs.
Breastfeeding
Not recommended while breastfeeding; discuss alternatives with a clinician.
Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including some antibiotics and antifungals, can increase muscle injury risk.
- Gemfibrozil and some other fibrates increase muscle injury risk.
- Warfarin may require closer monitoring.
- Grapefruit juice can increase simvastatin levels.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.