Simvastatin

Cholesterol

Also known as Zocor

Simvastatin works the same way as atorvastatin — it slows your liver's cholesterol production to bring down LDL, the "bad" cholesterol. One quirk sets it apart: your liver makes most of its cholesterol overnight, and simvastatin doesn't last as long in the body as newer statins, so it genuinely works best taken in the evening.

How to take it

When

In the evening — this one, unlike some other statins, really does work better at night.

Food

With or without food.

Avoid

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice — completely. Simvastatin has the strongest grapefruit interaction of the common statins, and the combination can push drug levels dangerously high.

Good to know

Tell your pharmacist about every medicine you take. Several common antibiotics and heart drugs don't mix well with simvastatin.

Missed a dose?

Take it when you remember that evening. If you don't remember until the next day, skip it and carry on. Never double up.

Common side effects

Mild muscle aches or joint pain
Headache
Constipation or upset stomach

Call a doctor if

Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness — especially with fever or dark, tea-colored urine
Yellowing of your skin or eyes
Unusual tiredness that doesn't pass

Educational only. This summary is drawn from public FDA labeling and MedlinePlus and simplified for readability. Your prescription label and your pharmacist always come first — doses and instructions vary from person to person.