Common use
Zocor is a drug which is used for treating hypercholesterolemia or high levels of cholesterol in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs known as lipid-lowering agents or hypolipidaemics. These drugs work by lowering the levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. They do not cause any harmful effects on the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Zocor can also be prescribed to prevent the development of heart attack, stroke or certain types of angina in those who are at a high risk of these conditions. Common dosage of Zocor for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia is 10 mg to 80 mg per day. For those who have already had a heart attack, Zocor can be prescribed in a dosage of 5 mg to 40 mg per day. The drug can be taken with or without meals, but should be taken at the same time(s) every day. It is a pill formulation and comes in the strengths of 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 80mg. The drug is a hydrogenated dietary lipid that has been approved by the United States FDA in 1997. It is manufactured by Merck & Co. India. The drug was initially marketed as Mevacor. Common side effects of Zocor include: Stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, or muscle aches. However, these side effects are usually mild and temporary. It is advisable to seek medical attention if any of these side effects persist or worsen. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Zocor. Do not take more of this medicine than what has been prescribed by your doctor. It is also advisable to tell your doctor about all the other drugs and supplements that you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, supplements and herbal remedies. 

Dosage and direction
It depends on the type of Zocor that was used and its strength. It is also influenced by the age of the patient and the condition for which the medication was prescribed. The dosage and the direction of the administration of the medication should be discussed with the prescribing physician. A pharmacist can provide additional information about the recommended dose and administration schedule. You can also refer to the package insert for Zocor or other medications to gather more details. A pharmacist can also provide you with a comprehensive information about the medication, its side effects and potential interactions. In general, Zocor can be administered orally, once or twice a day. However, it is recommended to take the medication in the evening. It is important to take the dosage according to the schedule recommended by the physician, otherwise the therapeutic efficacy of the drug may be reduced. The drug should be taken without regard to the meals. It is advised to take the medication at the same time every day, in the evening. It is recommended to take the drug with a full glass of water. The dosage of the drug may be increased after some weeks to maintain the desired therapeutic effect. The drug should not be discontinued abruptly. The drug may cause some side effects like dizziness, headache, and upset stomach. If these side effects are severe, or they do not improve, it is recommended to inform the physician about the problem. The drug should be stored at room temperature, in a dry place. It is not recommended to keep the medication in the fridge. The drug should not be exposed to the direct sunlight or moisture. It is advisable to keep the medication in its original container, with the label on it. It is recommended to ask for more information about the drug, its administration, side effects, potential interactions, and other relevant issues from a pharmacist or the physician. The pharmacist can provide you with a complete package insert and answer any questions you may have about the medication. If you are pregnant, you should inform the physician about your condition. It is important to discuss all the aspects of the drug, its administration, and the potential effects on the unborn child before initiating the therapy. 

Precautions
The Zocor precautions include the advice that pregnant women, nursing mothers, and patients with liver disease should not take the medication. The warning also notes that people should consult with a physician before starting the drug. Other precautions include the advice that the patient should not stop taking the medication unless instructed to do so by a physician, and that the patient should not use other cholesterol-lowering drugs while taking Zocor. Patients should also be aware of the common side effects of Zocor, which include diarrhea, dizziness, and headache. The warning also notes that less common side effects include muscle pain, liver damage, and memory loss. Patients who experience any of the common or serious side effects should stop taking the medication and contact their physician.

Contraindications
Zocor, an effective medication for treating elevated cholesterol levels, is contraindicated for the following individuals: pregnant women, nursing mothers, those who have experienced a liver or gallbladder transplant, those with unexplained jaundice, those with liver or gallbladder disease, those with kidney disease, and those with a history of diabetes, asthma, or other conditions that may be exacerbated by the drug. Zocor is also contraindicated for those who have had an allergic reaction to its active ingredient, simvastatin. Individuals who are taking certain medications, such as fibrates, NSAIDs, or corticosteroids, should consult with their physician before using Zocor. If you are unsure whether Zocor is suitable for you, consult with your physician or pharmacist. Zocor is not recommended for children under the age of 18. Like other medications, Zocor can cause side effects, some of which may be serious. You should consult your physician if you experience any of the following side effects: muscle soreness, tenderness, or weakness, liver or gallbladder problems, chest pain, or confusion. You should also contact your physician if you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects: fever, bleeding problems, unusual bruising, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. These side effects are not common and should be reported to your physician as soon as possible. 

Possible side effect
Zocor is a drug that belongs to the group of lipid-lowering drugs, specifically the statin family. Statins work by reducing the body's cholesterol levels, which in turn lowers the risk of coronary heart disease. However, side effects are always possible with medicines. Some possible side effects of Zocor are muscle aches and pains, and a slight increase in the liver's enzyme levels. To learn more about other possible side effects of Zocor, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can also provide you with the manufacturer's patient leaflet that will explain the possible side effects in detail. If you experience any serious side effects, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor right away.

Drug interaction
The FDA has determined that there is a drug interaction between the Zocor Drug and a specific other drug, which may have resulted in an increased risk of harm to some patients. This determination does not mean that all drugs combined with the Zocor Drug will necessarily result in harm, nor does it mean that every patient taking the Zocor Drug will be affected. Patients should still discuss any medications or supplements they are taking with their doctor or pharmacist, to ensure that their treatment is as safe and effective as possible.