Simvastatin (Zocor) is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, also known as a statin.

Take Simvastatin (Zocor) exactly as directed.

Avoid drinking large quantities of grapefruit juice while taking Simvastatin (Zocor), consult your doctor for further information.

Although side effects from Simvastatin (Zocor) are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

blurred vision
constipation
diarrhea
dizziness
gas
headache
heartburn
itching
muscle pain, tenderness
rash
stomach pain or cramps
upset stomach
weakness(with or without a fever)

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Amiodarone, certain azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), danazol, diltiazem, fibrates (eg, gemfibrozil, clofibrate), fluconazole, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), imatinib, immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine), macrolide antibiotics (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin), mibefradil, nefazodone, niacin, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (eg, delavirdine), risperidone, streptogramins (eg, dalfopristin), telithromycin, vasopressin receptor antagonists (eg, conivaptan), verapamil, or voriconazole because they may increase the risk of muscle or kidney problems
Bosentan, carbamazepine, rifampin, or St. John's wort because they may decrease Simvastatin (Zocor) 's effectiveness
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), digoxin, macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), or spironolactone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Simvastatin (Zocor)

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Simvastatin (Zocor) may interact with other medicines that you take.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are planning to become pregnant

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have low blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, a serious infection, or a history of seizures

if you have metabolism, hormonal, or electrolyte problems

if you drink alcohol or have a history of liver problems or alcohol abuse

if you have recently had major surgery or a serious injury

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients.

Simvastatin (Zocor) is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.

Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are taking Simvastatin (Zocor).

Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Simvastatin (Zocor) before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

If you have any questions about Simvastatin (Zocor), please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.