Episode #39: simvastatin (Zocor) | Podcast Show Notes
simvastatin (sim va STAT in)
Below will be links for the full Podcast and the Drug Card for simvastatin along with a brief summary of various points on simvastatin.Â
QUESTIONS:
- True or False. Elderly patients may require dose adjustment when on esomeprazole.Â
- Select all that apply. Which of the following conditions is caution advised when using esomeprazole?Â
- A). Alcohol abuse
- B). Patients 65 years and older
- C). African American patients
- D). Chinese American patients
- E). All of the above.
- True or False. Simvastatin is a derivative of lovastatin.
- Which of the following is/are not therapeutic benefits of simvastatin.
- A). Improved endothelial function
- B). Reduction of inflammation at coronary plaque sites
- C). Platelet aggregation inhibition
- D). Anticoagulant effect
- E). None of the above.
SUMMARY:
Simvastatin is used to slow the progress of heart disease as well as lowering cholesterol in patients. It is also known by the brand name of Zocor. Simvastatin works by affecting the rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis. It is a competitive inhibitor of the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. There are also other benefits such as reducing inflammation and coronary plaque sites, inhibiting platelet aggregation, as well as having an anticoagulant effect. Simvastatin is contraindicated in pregnancy and should be stopped immediately if pregnancy is suspected. Some serious side effects to be aware of are rhabdomyolysis; muscle pain, tenderness, and weakness, and dark urine. Common monitoring parameters for patients on simvastatin are lipid panels, pregnancy, hepatic transaminase levels, and CPK. In order to get the best benefit from simvastatin it is recommended to be taken in the evening.
ANSWERS:Â Â
- True. HMG-CoA reductase inhibition is increased by 45%.
- A, B, and D are correct.Â
- True.Â
- E is correct. A, B, C, and D are all therapeutic benefits of simvastatin.
PDF of Drug Card: simvastatin
