Simvastatin Pharmacology

Simvastatin

About Simvastatin

Statins, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, A hypolipidemic agent.

Mechanism of Action of Simvastatin

It is a precursor lactone converted in to active form in the body which competitively inhibits the conversion of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) to mevalonate. The drug exerts it`s action by specific inhibition of enzyme; 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG CoA reductase) and reduces cholesterol synthesis up to 50% at therapeutic doses. This results in compensatory increase in low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression in liver which ultimately leads to increased receptor mediated uptake and catabolism of intermediate density lipoprotein(IDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). It causes dose dependent lowering of LDL cholesterol and reduces hepatic synthesis of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and lowers plasma triglyceride levels. It increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels than other statins.

Pharmacokinets of Simvastatin

Absorption: Readily absorbed orally but extensive fist pass hepatic metabolism limits bioavailability, Distribution: Distributed mainly to liver in a highly protein bound form and less than 5%of an oral dose reaches systemic circulation, Metabolism: Metabolized in liver in to active metabolite, Excretion: Excreted mainly through bile.

Onset of Action for Simvastatin

Significant response seen after 1 to 2 weeks maximum therapeutic response seen after 4 to 6 weeks.

Duration of Action for Simvastatin

N/A

Half Life of Simvastatin

3 hours

Side Effects of Simvastatin

1.Headache
2.Dizziness
3.Abdominal discomfort
4.Heart burn
5.Abdominal pain
6.Nausea
7.Dyspepsia
8.Flatulence
9.Constipation
10.Blurred vision
11.Abnormal liver function tests
12.Rash
13.Pruritus
14.Fatigue
15.Myopathy
16. Upper respiratory tract infections

Contra-indications of Simvastatin

1.Hypersensitivity to the drug
2.Active liver diseases
3.Persistent elevation of serum transaminase levels

Special Precautions while taking Simvastatin

1.Renal impairment
2.History of liver diseases
3.Alcoholics

Pregnancy Related Information

Contraindicated

Old Age Related Information

Use with caution

Breast Feeding Related Information

Contraindicated

Children Related Information

Contraindicated

Indications for Simvastatin

1.Hypercholesterolemia(types IIa, IIb)
2.Hypercholesterolemia along with hypertriglyceridemia)

Interactions for Simvastatin

Cyclosporine, erythromycin, niacin, gemfibrozil: Severe myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
Propranolol: Decrease in antihyperlipidaemic activity.
Itraconazole: Plasma levels of lovastatin increased 20-fold.
Warfarin: Anticoagulant effect increased, chances of bleeding.

Typical Dosage for Simvastatin

Oral:
Starts with 5 to 10mg once daily; with evening meals. Increased if required based on patients response at every four weeks.
Maximum dose: 40mg

Schedule of Simvastatin

Storage Requirements for Simvastatin

Store at room temperature at a range of 15 to 25 degree C.

Effects of Missed Dosage of Simvastatin

Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Effects of Overdose of Simvastatin

Provide supportive care and symptomatic treatment.

Home Delivery for Simvastatin in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including simvastatin.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for simvastatin and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for simvastatin may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take simvastatin only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for simvastatin before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for simvastatin with the pharmacy.

Simvastatin is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for simvastatin might be better known than simvastatin itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have simvastatin in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for simvastatin.