Drug reference
simvastatin
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Cardiovascular (Anti Hyperlipidemics)
Mechanism of action
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor; inhibits the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis by competitively inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase
Common side effects
- Flatulence
- Constipation
- Headache
- Myalgia
- CPK elevation (>3x ULN)
Known interactions (11)
- clarithromycin + simvastatin Contraindicated
- cyclosporin + simvastatin Contraindicated
- erythromycin + simvastatin Contraindicated
- itraconazole + simvastatin Contraindicated
- posaconazole + simvastatin Contraindicated
- aprepitant + simvastatin Major
- daptomycin + simvastatin Major
- fluconazole + simvastatin Major
- gemfibrozil + simvastatin Major
- dasatinib + simvastatin Moderate
- griseofulvin + simvastatin Moderate
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is simvastatin?
simvastatin belongs to: Cardiovascular.
How does simvastatin work?
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor; inhibits the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis by competitively inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase
What are the common side effects of simvastatin?
Flatulence, Constipation, Headache, Myalgia, CPK elevation (>3x ULN)
Which drugs interact with simvastatin?
clarithromycin, cyclosporin, erythromycin, itraconazole, posaconazole, aprepitant, daptomycin, fluconazole, gemfibrozil, dasatinib, griseofulvin
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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