Zocor and/or Equivalents
| Drug | Related Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Zocor 5mg and/or Equivalents | Simvastatin |
| Zocor 10mg and/or Equivalents | Apo-Simvastatin, Arrow-Simvastatin, Lipex, Simvastatin, Zimstat, Zocor |
| Zocor 20mg and/or Equivalents | Apo-Simvastatin, Arrow-Simvastatin, Lipex, Simvastatin, Zimstat, Zocor |
| Zocor 40mg and/or Equivalents | Apo-Simvastatin, Arrow-Simvastatin, Lipex, Mylan-Simvastatin, Simvastatin, Zocor, Zimstat |
| Zocor 80mg and/or Equivalents | Act-Simvastatin, Apo-Simvastatin, Arrow-Simvastatin, Lipex, Simvastatin, Zimstat, Zocor |
Zocor (simvastatin)
Zocor Description
Zocor is a medicinal drug that belongs to a class of drugs called simvastatins. Simvastatin is a hypolipidemic drug and is used in controlling elevated levels of cholesterol in the body (known as hypercholesterolemia). Simvastatin itself belongs to a class of drugs called statins and is a derivative (synthetic) of a product of Aspergillus terreus that can be got through the process of fermentation.
Zocor, as mentioned, belongs to the group of drugs called statins, chemically known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. The main function of simvastatin is to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the body (known as low density lipoproteins or LDL) as well as the triglyceride levels in the blood, while also increasing the levels of good cholesterol, otherwise known as high density lipoprotein or HDL.
Conditions Treated by Zocor
As is evident from the function of simvastatin, Zocor finds use in lowering the triglyceride (fatty acid) and cholesterol levels in the blood and the body. Zocor is also used in reducing the susceptibility of patients to suffering from heart attack, stroke and various other complications of the heart especially among patients already suffering from coronary heart disease or diabetes.
Zocor Dosage Information
a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations
It is extremely important that you take Zocor exactly as your doctor prescribes. Be very careful not to take bigger or smaller amounts or administer the drug for a longer time than recommended and follow the directions given on the prescription label.
Zocor is generally taken either at the time of going to bed or along with a meal in the evening. If you happen to be administering Zocor more than one time every day, you should do so along with food. Your doctor may choose to change your dosage of Zocor from time to time in order to ensure that you are receiving the best possible benefit from using the medicine.
To ensure that taking Zocor is indeed positively affecting your medical condition without giving rise to any potentially harmful side effects, you will need to conduct blood tests on a regular basis. In some cases, your liver functions will also have to be tested. Hence, you should keep in touch with your doctor on a regular basis.
b.) Missing A Dose
If you end up missing a dose, take the missed dose the moment you remember to do so. If however you remember when it is time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not however take any extra medication to make up for this missed dose.
c.) Overdosing
If you overdose on Zocor, seek medical attention right away.
Zocor Warnings
Zocor can prove to be harmful if you happen to be suffering from certain conditions. It is important that you avoid taking Zocor if you suffer from severe liver disease. You should also consult a doctor or a pharmacist for dose adjustments or special tests to make sure it is safe for you to take the drug if you happen to be suffering from the following medical conditions:
- Family or personal history of suffering from liver disease
- Family or personal history of suffering from kidney disease
- Disorder in the thyroid
- Diabetes
Aspirin contained within Zocor should not be administered to a teenager or a child suffering from fever, especially if he or she is also exhibiting chicken pox or flu-like symptoms. This is because Aspirin can sometimes cause a serious and occasionally fatal condition in children called Reye’s syndrome. Additionally, you should avoid using Zocor if you are allergic to its two constituents – dipyridamole and aspirin.
While on Zocor, you should also avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Mixed with Zocor, alcohol can increase the levels of triglyceride in your blood. Also, if you take Zocor while you are regularly consuming alcohol, then you run the risk of damaging your liver.
Additionally, you should avoid taking Zocor if you happen to be allergic to simvastatin, the drug contained within Zocor. Also avoid using Zocor if you happen to be pregnant as the drug could cause harm to the unborn baby. Hence, thoroughly consult your doctor regarding the administration of the drug whilst being pregnant and seek out less harmful alternatives.
Zocor Side Effects
As with most other drugs, Zocor has a number of side effects. If you exhibit allergic reactions to Zocor such as hives, swelling of tongue, swelling of lips, inflammation of throat, swelling of face, appearance of rashes, excessive itching and difficulty in breathing, you should seek emergency medical help right away and consult your doctor immediately.
The more serious side effects of using Zocor include:
- Fever
- Urine that is dark colored
- Weakness
- Tenderness
- Unusual pain in the muscles
- Painful or burning sensation while urinating
- Uncharacteristic fatigue or tiredness
- Gain in weight
- Erratic levels of urination
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Itching sensation
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the upper regions of the stomach
- Jaundice
Less harmful side effects of using Zocor are:
- Joint pain
- Head ache
- Mild pain in the muscles
- Constipation
- Pain in the stomach or indigestion
- Mild outbreak of rashes on the skin
- Problems in sleeping or insomnia
- Mild form of nausea
- Symptoms of flu such as sneezing, stuffy nose or soreness in the throat
The above is not however an exhaustive list and other side effects may arise upon using Zocor.
Possible Drug Interactions with Zocor
Zocor can prove to be harmful if used in tandem with certain other drugs. Make sure to inform your doctor about the following drugs if you are to take Zocor:
- Medication for thinning blood such as:
- Medications which are statins such as:
- Other medicines which consist of:
- Antibiotics such as:
- Antifungals such as:
- Medications for HIV
- Medication for treating blood or heart pressure
The above however is not an exclusive list and there are other drugs including minerals, vitamins and herbal products which should not be used simultaneously and concurrently with Zocor. Hence, it is extremely important that you inform your doctor about any and all medications that you happen to be using at the time of taking Zocor.
If you have any questions about buying discount Zocor online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.
Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Zocor and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information
