# Simvastatin (Zocor)

Source: https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs/simvastatin
Data: FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA, refreshed periodically

## What is Simvastatin?

Simvastatin (brand name: Zocor) is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. It is prescribed to treat hypertriglyceridemia, coronary artery disease, hypercholesterolemia. Across the United States, 207,000 doctors prescribe Simvastatin to approximately 4.0 million Medicare patients, making it one of the 50 most prescribed drugs in America.

## Brand names

Zocor

## Indications

Simvastatin is prescribed for several conditions including hypertriglyceridemia, coronary artery disease, hypercholesterolemia, among others.

## Conditions treated

- [Hypertriglyceridemia](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hypertriglyceridemia)
- [Coronary Artery Disease](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/coronary-artery-disease)
- [Hypercholesterolemia](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hypercholesterolemia)
- [Hyperlipoproteinemias](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hyperlipoproteinemias)

## Mechanism of action

Simvastatin is a prodrug and is hydrolyzed to its active β-hydroxyacid form, simvastatin acid, after administration. Simvastatin acid and its metabolites are inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that produces HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a precursor of cholesterol.

## Drug classification

- Established Pharmacologic Class: HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor [EPC]
- Mechanism of Action class: Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors [MoA]
- Route of administration: ORAL

## Common side effects

abdominal pain, and nausea, constipation, headache, nausea, upper respiratory infection, upper respiratory infections

## Sources and disclaimers

- FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA dataset
- This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

## Related

- [All drugs](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs)
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- [Methodology](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/methodology)