Zocor partially blocks the enzyme HMG CoA Reductase. This enzyme regulates the production of cholesterol in the liver, and in fact, in all the cells within our bodies. The net result of this blockage is a profound reduction in total and LDL cholesterol. A small improvement in triglycerides and HDL is also seen.
Depending on the dose, Zocor will lower LDL by 25 to 45 percent. In people with elevated triglycerides, a modest reduction can be seen. HDL may increase. Of all the avail- able drugs in this class, Zocor appears to have the greatest impact on HDL.
Zocor should be taken at bedtime. The usual dose is 5 to 80 mg per day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Zocor Side Effects
The side effects of Zocor are typically mild and don’t tend to last. Possible side effects include constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, headache, and muscle aches.
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.
While on Zocor, you will need regular follow-up with your physician, who will want to periodically check your liver functions.
If you develop fever, muscle cramping, and weakness while on Zocor, you may have developed a rare complication called myositis. Of course, these symptoms may just be the flu. In such a case, your doctor will do a simple blood test to check your blood level of muscle enzymes. If you have a significantly elevated level of muscle enzymes, Zocor will be discontinued.
You should not drink grapefruit juice or large amounts of alcohol while taking Zocor. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice may increase the amount of Zocor in your blood, which may increase your risk for serious side effects. Moreover, the risk may be greater with if you consume large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice, (eg, more than one quart daily). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
If Zocor is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Check with your doctor before combining Zocor with the following: alcohol, amiodarone, anticoagulants such as warfarin, bosentan, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, danazol, delavirdine, digoxin, diltiazem, erythromycin, fibrates such as niacin (greater than 1,000 mg or 1 gram per day), fluconazole, grapefruit juice (greater than 1 quart daily), itraconazole, ketoconazole, macrolide immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus, mibefradil, nefazodone, other cholesterol lowering medicines, rifampin, risperidone, ritonavir, spirono- lactone, streptogramins such as dalfopristin, St. John’s wort, telithromycin, verapamil, and voriconazole.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.