Generic Zocor

Description

Active Ingredient

Simvastatin is an active ingredient of the fungus Aspergillus terreus. This drug inhibits hepatic hydroxymethyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a key step in cholesterol synthesis. It lowers plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein levels and modulates immune responses by suppressing MHC II (major histocompatibility complex II) on interferon gamma-stimulated, antigen-presenting cells.

Indications

Given medication belongs to a class of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins. Zocor is intended to lower blood levels of bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, to increase levels of good cholesterol i.e. high-density lipoprotein, or HDL. It lowers triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. It is also indicated to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors. This medicine is used in adults and children above 10 years old.

Action Mechanism

Simvastatin-composed medicine is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Zocor works by slowing the formation of cholesterol in the body to reduce the amount of cholesterol that may build up on the walls of the arteries and block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body.

Dosages

This drug is made available in dosages as mentioned below:

• 5 mg: It should be taken once a day in the evening exactly as mentioned below
• 10 mg: This drug shall be consumed once a day with or without food, as directed by the doctor
• 20 mg: It is to be consumed once a day before or after meals as advised by the doctor

Note

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with this medication; it may lead to potentially dangerous effects.

FAQ’s

What is Zocor?

Zocor is the brand name of simvastatin, a prescription drug to lower blood cholesterol. The medicine belongs to a class of drugs called statins, also called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

How Zocor works?

Zocor reduces cholesterol levels in the blood by blocking an enzyme that is needed to make cholesterol, as well as increasing the number of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) receptors in the liver, so the liver can process more of the LDL found in the blood.

Special info about Zocor

The doctor will prescribe Zocor along with suggesting a healthy diet, weight loss if you need it, and exercise to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other problems.

When was Zocor approved and who manufactured it?

Zocor, manufactured by Merck & Co., was approved by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) in 1991.

Is there any link between Zocor and Erectile Dysfunction?

A 2014 analysis, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, examined the results of 11 previous studies and found that Zocor produce a significant increase in erectile function.

Is Zocor safe during pregnancy?

Zocor should not be used in women that are pregnant or who may become pregnant.