Zocor

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last updated on 19/10/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Simvastatin

CHINESE NAME: 舒降之

DRUG CLASS: Lipid-regulating drugs

SUB CLASS: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors

USED FOR: High cholesterol, Prevention of cardiovascular events

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS:
– 10mg, 20mg (tablets)

What is Zocor for?

Zocor is a brand product that contains Simvastatin, which is a type of cholesterol-lowering drug called statin. It blocks the enzyme that produces cholesterol, therefore reducing cholesterol levels in the body.

It is also used as a preventative measure for cardiac events, by lowering the blood cholesterol level to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

How to use it?

Zocor is available as tablets. The usual initial dose is 10-20 mg once daily in the evening (Asian patients may need a lower dose). The usual dose range is 5-40 mg once daily.

It is taken at evening as it is the time when the body produces most cholesterol. The dose may vary depending on your cholesterol level.

What are the side effects of Zocor?

Common side effects of Zocor include muscle pain and muscle weakness.

Some rare side effects include an increased risk of diabetes, cognitive impairment (inability to focus or remember) and severe muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis). Report to your healthcare professionals if you experience those side effects.

Who should not take Zocor?

– People who are allergic to Simvastatin or any component of the formulation
– People with active liver disease
– Pregnant or breastfeeding women and those who intend to become pregnant

Pharmacist Tips:

– Speak to your healthcare professional if you experience any unexplained muscle pain.
– In order to effectively manage cholesterol, you must exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.
– Take adequate contraception during the treatment if you have childbearing potential.
– Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
– Avoid or limit alcohol use while using this medication because it may raise your chance of liver disease.

Common dosing schedule:
Zocor should be taken in the evening, with or without food.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Zocor may interact with:
– Amiodarone
– Cyclosporine
– Antibiotics, e.g. Erythromycin, Clarithromycin
– Antifungals, e.g. Ketoconazole, Itraconazole
– Digoxin
– St John’s Wort
– Gemfibrozil

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Zocor in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Zocor is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Zocor in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.