FDA Approved Uses
- Used with diet modification to lower cholesterol levels in type IIa and IIb hypercholesterolemia in those with a significant risk of coronary artery disease, who have not responsded to other measure
- Used to lower elevated LDL cholesterol concentrations in those with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Used to increase HDL cholesterol
Contraindications
Any of the following may be reason to choose a different drug. Inform your doctor before starting therapy:
- allergic to simvastatin
- active liver disease
- unexplained persistent liver function test elevations
- nursing mothers
- known or suspected pregnancy
Dosage and Administration
Dosages may require modification to adjust for individual sensitivities and associated medical conditions.
Adults Under 60
5 to 10 mg once daily in the evening. The usual maintenance dose is 5 to 40 mg daily in the evening. Adust the dose as tolerated and as needed in 4 week intervals.
Adults 60 and Over
Reduced dosage may be necessary. Consult your physician.
Infants and Children
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Maximum Dosage Recommendations
40 mg per day.
Side Effects
You may experience the following side effects with the use of this drug:
- skin rash
- nausea
- stomach pain
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- gas
- indigestion
- dizziness
- headache
Consult your physician about blood tests monitoring the liver function.
Liver function tests should be performed before the initiation of treatment and periodically thereafter. Patients who develop abnormalities will be monitored until they are resolved, or a reduction of dose or withdrawal of treatment is recommended by a physician.
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