What kind of drug is simvastatin?

Simvastatin is in a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body to decrease 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.

What is simvastatin mode of action?

Using acetyl-CoA as a substrate, mevalonic acid is formed, and subsequent reactions lead to the formation of cholesterol. Simvastatin acts on the rate-limiting step and serves as an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, consequently leading to decreased cholesterol concentrations.

Can you take statins and morphine?

Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between atorvastatin and Morphine Sulfate ER.

What is half life of simvastatin?

Simvastatin, ingested as a prodrug, is hydrolyzed in liver to its active beta-hydroxyacid metabolite, reaching peak plasma concentrations in 2-4 h, with a plasma half-life of approximately 5 h.

Is 40 mg simvastatin high?

For high cholesterol: Adults—20 to 40 milligrams (mg) once a day in the evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Children 10 years of age and older—10 to 40 mg once a day in the evening.

Which statins must be taken at bedtime?

To maximize the effects of statins with a short half-life, fluvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin should be dosed at bedtime allowing the greatest drug concentration to be present during peak endogenous cholesterol synthesis.

What drugs does simvastatin interact with?

Some products that may interact with this drug include: “blood thinners” (such as warfarin), cyclosporine, danazol, daptomycin, gemfibrozil. Other medications can affect the removal of simvastatin from your body, which may affect how simvastatin works.

Is simvastatin 40 mg safe?

Dosage for reducing the risk of heart disease and heart attack and stroke in people with heart disease. Typical starting dosage: Simvastatin is often started at 10–20 mg per day. However, the dosage may range from 5 mg to 40 mg per day. You should take this drug once a day in the evening.

Do statins make you sleepy?

In a study of more than 1,000 adults, researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that individuals taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are more likely than non-users to experience decreased energy, fatigue upon exertion, or both.

What drugs should not be taken with statins?

Some drugs that may interact with statins and increase your risk of side effects include:

• Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), a medication for irregular heart rhythms.
• Gemfibrozil (Lopid), another variety of cholesterol drug.
• HIV treatments called protease inhibitors such as saquinavir (Invirase) and ritonavir (Norvir)