Structural Biochemistry/Simvastatin

Overview

The empirical formula of simvastatin is C25H38O5 with the molecular weight of 418.57. Simvastatin also is a white, crystalline powder that is insoluble in water. In taking simvastatin, make sure we are not allergic to it. Patients who taking simvastatin have to limit their alcohol beverages.

Simvastatin, also known as Zocor, is a drug used to control cholesterol levels. It is a hypolipidemic agent, used to lower the levels of lipids. It is derived from the fermentation of Aspergillus terreus, a fungus which can be used to make important organic compounds. Cholesterol biosynthesis was researched at Merck by Jesse Huff, a biochemist, and his colleagues in the early 1950s. Carl Hoffman, Karl Folkers, and some colleagues at Merck isolated mevalonic acid from a yeast extract in 1956. They confirmed that this acid can be used in cholesterol biosynthesis. In Sankyo, Japan, Akira Endo was able to isolate Compactin from Penicillum citrinium, a fungus, in 1976. Carl Hoffman was able to isolate lovastatin from Asperigillus terreus in 1979. From lovastatin, the scientists at Merck were able to synthetically derive Simvastatin.

Usage

Take simvastatin exactly as prescribed. Never take simvastatin in larger amounts, or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Taking too much of this medication may cause serious or life-threatening side effects.

Simvastatin is usually taken at bedtime or with an evening meal. If you take simvastatin more than once daily, take it with meals. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. To be sure simvastatin is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your liver function should be tested every 3 to 6 months. Visit your doctor regularly. You may need to take simvastatin on a long-term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol. You may need to stop using this medicine for a short time if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Do not stop taking simvastatin unless your doctor tells you to.

Simvastatin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control.

Side Effects

Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems. Other side effects include unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness; fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine; pain or burning when you urinate; nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, or dark urine. [The Internal Drug Index].

Simvastatin contains some inactive ingredients, and if allergic, can cause allergies to surface. Cautions should be taken if the patient has a history of alcohol use, kidney disease, or liver disease. If a surgery needs to be performed, let the doctor know about the herbal products, nonprescription drugs, and prescription drugs that have been used. When taking Simvastatin, be aware of your alcohol intake. When combined with alcohol, this drug can increase the risk of liver problems. Adults, who are older, should take more precaution. They may become more sensitive to this drug, which may produce muscle problems. When pregnant, do not use this drug because it can harm your unborn baby. Also, preventing pregnancy is important because simvastatin may pass into breast milk. Although this is still unclear, try not to breast feed while taking this drug.

Few people who have been taking this drug had reported problems of mild memory or confusion. These are rare effects that may occur. Infrequently, muscle problems may occur and a very serious condition may occur, rhabdomyolysis (muscle fiber breakdown leading to muscle fiber in the bloodstream. Be cautious of symptoms that include weakness, tenderness, or muscle pain. There are rare instances of liver problems. Be cautions of nausea or vomiting, severe abdominal or stomach pain, dark urine, or yellowing of skin or eyes. This drug may also cause serious allergic reactions. Be cautious of breathing troubles, severe dizziness, itching or swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, rashes, or any symptoms of allergic reactions.