What is Zocor (simvastatin) used for?

Zocor is a prescription drug that is used to treat high blood cholesterol levels, specifically high levels of triglycerides and LDL-C or “bad cholesterol.” Along with healthy lifestyle habits, including diet and exercise, Zocor can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients at risk for these conditions.

How does Zocor (simvastatin) work?

In people with high cholesterol levels in the blood, deposits can form in the blood vessels, making it difficult for the blood to flow. This deposition of fats and cholesterol in the arteries is known as atherosclerosis. If the blood supply to a vital organ such as the heart or brain is blocked by the cholesterol deposits, it can cause a heart attack or stroke. Zocor reduces blood cholesterol levels by decreasing the body’s amount of cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

What are Zocor (simvastatin) doses?

Simvastatin is available in tablet (Zocor) and oral suspension forms. Common Simvastatindoses are 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg tablets and 4 mg/mL oral suspension.

Doctors typically prescribe a starting dose of Zocor 10 mg to 20 mg by mouth once a day in the evening. The dose can be increased or decreased depending on the patient’s response and side effects. Your doctor may obtain lab tests (lipid levels) 4 weeks after starting Zocor and adjust the dose based on the results. Patients at high risk of coronary artery disease may be started on 40 mg a day of Zocor.