Generic Vytorin

Description

Active Ingredient

This medicine contains a combination of two ingredients i.e. Ezetimibe and Simvastatin. Ezetimibe lowers blood cholesterol by blocking the absorption of cholesterol. Simvastatin inhibits hepatic hydroxymethyl-glutaryl coenzyme reductase, the enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate. It lowers plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein levels and modulates immune responses. It also suppresses the major histocompatibility complex II on interferon gamma-stimulated, antigen-presenting cells such as human vascular endothelial cells.

Indications

Given a combination of this medicine is indicated to decrease the bad cholesterol in the body. It should be used along with a proper diet to help lower bad cholesterol and fats like LDL, triglycerides and raise good cholesterol in the blood.

Vytorin reduces the amount of cholesterol the body absorbs from the diet. Simvastatin is a statin that reduces the amount of cholesterol made by the liver.

Action Mechanism

This combination of medications acts to lower the blood cholesterol by blocking the absorption of cholesterol, like dietary cholesterol, from the intestine. It does not affect the absorption of triglycerides. The simvastatin component of this medicine belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor that reduces cholesterol by blocking an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol. This statin drug decreases the total and LDL cholesterol in the blood as well as triglycerides. It increases HDL cholesterol and lowers the LDL cholesterol levels; it may reverse coronary artery disease.

Dosages

It is available in the form of conventional tablet form and dosages of Vytorin mentioned below:

• 10 mg + 10 mg: Take this tablet orally with or without food as directed by the doctor, usually once a day in the evening
• 10 mg + 20 mg: It is to be consumed with or without food once in the evening as prescribed by the doctor

Note

Do not consume grapefruit or drink grape fruit juice while treating with this medication, it can increase the amount of this medication in the bloodstream.