Simvastatin

(CC) Image: David E. Volk
Simvastatin, a class I statin.

Simvastatin is a hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin). It is a methylated derivative of lovastatin used treat hypercholesterolemia, to prevent heart attacks and strokes, and to diminish athlerosclorosis. It is structurally and functionally similar to the other class I statins mevastatin, lovastatin and pravastatin. Its IUPAC chemical name is [(1S,3R,7S,8S,8aR)-8-[2-[(2R,4R)-4-hydroxy-6-oxooxan-2-yl]ethyl]-3,7-dimethyl 1,2,3,7,8,8a-hexahydronaphthalen-1-yl] 2,2-dimethylbutanoate and its chemical formula is C₂₅H₃₈O₅.

Function

Simvastatin is effective in reducing total and LDL-cholesterol as well as plasma triglycerides and apolipoprotein B. It inhibits the function of hydroxymethylglutaryl COA reductases, key enzymes in the production of cholesterol. It also increases LDL catabolism and may interfere with steroid production.

Brand names

• Cholestat
• Coledis
• Colemin
• Corolin
• Denan
• Labistatin
• Lipex
• Lodales
• Medipo
• Nivelipol
• Pantok
• Rendapid
• Simovil
• Simvastatin
• Simvastatina
• Simvastatine
• Simvastatinum
• Sinvacor
• Sivastin
• Synvinolin
• Vasotenal
• Vytorin
• Zocor
• Zocord

==Pharmacology== ===Administration=== Both the drug and its $\beta$-hydroxyacid metabolite are highly bound (approximately 95%) to human plasma proteins.

Toxicity

Drug toxicity include

Drug interactions

Its drug interactions include alcohol and grapefruit juice which should be avoided when taking this medication.

External links

The most up-to-date information about Simvastatin and other drugs can be found at the following sites.

• Simvastatin - FDA approved drug information (drug label) from DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
• Simvastatin - Drug information for consumers from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
• Simvastatin - Detailed information from DrugBank.