Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

In addition to this medicine, your doctor may change your diet to one that is low in fat, sugar, and cholesterol. Carefully follow your doctor's orders about any special diet.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

It is best to take this medicine at bedtime, with a low-fat meal or snack.

Do not change your dose without checking first with your doctor. The 80 mg dose of simvastatin may increase your risk to have serious muscle problems.

If you are taking amiodarone (Cordarone®), amlodipine (Norvasc®), or ranolazine (Ranexa®) together with niacin/simvastatin, your niacin/simvastatin dose should not exceed 1000 mg/20 mg per day, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. When used together, these medicines may increase your risk of muscle injury which can lead to kidney failure, particularly at higher doses of simvastatin.

If you are also using cholestyramine (Questran®) or colestipol (Colestid®), take it at least 4 to 6 hours before or after you take this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you regularly drink grapefruit juice. Drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice (more than 1 quart each day) while taking this medicine may increase the amount of simvastatin in the body which may increase your risk of muscle injury and could result in kidney failure.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
    • For high cholesterol:
      • For patients not on niacin or simvastatin therapy:
        • Adults—One tablet once a day in the evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 2000 milligrams (mg) of niacin and 40 mg of simvastatin.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients on niacin therapy:
        • Adults—One tablet (500 milligrams [mg] of niacin and 20 mg of simvastatin) once a day in the evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 2000 mg of niacin and 40 mg of simvastatin.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients on simvastatin therapy:
        • Adults—One tablet (500 milligrams [mg] of niacin and 40 mg of simvastatin) once a day in the evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 2000 mg of niacin and 40 mg of simvastatin.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: July 01, 2024

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