User:Mr. Ibrahem/Simvastatin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Simvastatin, marketed under the trade name Zocor among others, is a lipid-lowering medication.[1] It is used along with exercise, diet, and weight loss to decrease elevated lipid levels.[1] It is also used to decrease the risk of heart problems in those at high risk.[1] It is taken by mouth.[1]
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Pronunciation | /ˈsɪmvəstætɪn/ |
Trade names | Zocor, other |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a692030 |
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Routes of administration | by mouth |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | 5% |
Protein binding | 95% |
Metabolism | Liver (CYP3A4) |
Elimination half-life | 2 hours for simvastatin and 1.9 hours for simvastatin acid |
Excretion | Kidney 13%, faecal 60% |
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Formula | C25H38O5 |
Molar mass | 418.574 g·mol−1 |
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Common side effects include constipation, headaches, and nausea.[1] Serious side effects may include muscle breakdown, liver problems, and increased blood sugar levels.[1] A lower dose may be needed in people with kidney problems.[1] There is evidence of harm to the developing baby when taken during pregnancy[1][2] and it should not be used by those who are breastfeeding.[1] It is in the statin class of medications and works by decreasing the manufacture of cholesterol by the liver.[1]
Simvastatin was patented by Merck in 1980, and came into medical use in 1992.[3][4] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[5] It is available as a generic medication and at a relatively low cost.[1][6][7] Simvastatin is made from the fungus Aspergillus terreus.[3] In 2017, it was the eighth most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 56 million prescriptions.[8][9]