Simvastatin 20 mg Tablets (Simvastatin)

Adult dose

Adults should take 5 mg to 40 mg once daily in the evening. The initial starting dose is 20 mg, and patients with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia may start with 10 mg. For patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, the dose is 40 mg once daily in the evening. Elderly patients may achieve maximum reduction with a daily dose of 20 mg.

Child dose

Pediatric patients aged 10 to 17 years with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia should start with 10 mg once daily in the evening. The recommended dosage range is 10 mg to 40 mg per day.

This medication is primarily used to lower serum cholesterol levels. If any muscle-related symptoms such as myalgia or weakness occur while taking this medication, it is important to inform a doctor immediately. There is an increased risk of serious muscle problems such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, especially when taking high doses or certain medications. Individuals with liver dysfunction or active liver disease should not take this medication. Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant, as well as breastfeeding women, should not use this medication. The risk of side effects is increased when taken with certain strong medications, so it's essential to discuss any concurrent medications with a doctor. Caution is also advised for those consuming alcohol excessively or having issues with liver, kidney, or thyroid function. Elderly patients and women are at higher risk for myopathy, and careful monitoring is necessary. Regular liver function tests and muscle-related tests should be conducted, and any unusual symptoms should be reported to healthcare professionals immediately. Additionally, the intake of certain foods such as grapefruit juice should be limited during treatment, and any new medications should be reported to healthcare providers. If planning pregnancy or if pregnant, do not take this medication and consult healthcare professionals.

Serious side effects

Myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, anaphylaxis, angioedema, toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell syndrome), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis, liver failure, pancreatitis, cholestatic jaundice, liver cirrhosis, fulminant liver necrosis, liver cancer, severe muscle weakness, ocular muscle weakness, anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, hemolytic anemia, hypersensitivity reactions (including lupus-like syndrome and vasculitis)

Mild side effects

Abdominal pain, asthenia, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, bloating, nausea, headache, upper respiratory infection, atrial fibrillation, gastritis, diabetes, myalgia, insomnia, dizziness, bronchitis, sinusitis, eczema, urinary tract infection, alopecia, pruritus, skin changes (nodules, pigmentation, skin/mucosal dryness, hair/nail changes), lichenoid drug rash, gynecomastia, decreased libido, sexual dysfunction (including erectile dysfunction), cataract progression, ocular muscle paralysis, anemia

Store this medication in a tightly sealed container to protect it from air and moisture. It should be kept at room temperature between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Appearance

Yellow-brown oval film-coated tablets

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle