Simvastatin: uses, side effects & brands

Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed 5 November 2026

Simvastatin is a widely used statin, taken in the evening. It belongs to the Statin / lipid-lowering group. These lower cholesterol to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

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Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor

Measure	Range
Drug class	Statin / lipid-lowering
Type	Prescription
Dose	Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist

What it is used for

High LDL ("bad") cholesterol
Lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke
Inherited high cholesterol

Common brand names

India: Simvas, Simlup
Worldwide: Zocor

Common side effects

Muscle aches
Headache
Upset stomach or constipation
Rarely, raised liver enzymes

Before taking it — precautions

Avoid grapefruit juice
Many medicines interact — e.g. clarithromycin, some antifungals, diltiazem, verapamil and amlodipine
Not to be used in pregnancy; tell your doctor about liver disease or heavy alcohol use

When to see a doctor urgently

Unexplained muscle pain or weakness with dark urine (rare — seek advice)
Yellow eyes or skin, or severe tummy pain
Swelling of the face or throat (rare — urgent)

Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of simvastatin depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.

Frequently asked questions

Why is simvastatin often taken in the evening?

The body makes most cholesterol at night, and simvastatin works for a shorter time than some statins, so evening dosing is traditional.

Can I take simvastatin with antibiotics?

Some antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, greatly raise simvastatin levels and muscle risk. Always tell the prescriber you take it.

Can I drink grapefruit juice on simvastatin?

Avoid it — grapefruit raises simvastatin levels and the chance of muscle side effects.

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Sources & further reading

Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.