Zocor (simvastatin) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for conditions including high cholesterol in adults and some children. Zocor comes as an oral tablet that you typically take once per day.
Zocor belongs to a drug class called statins. Zocor is available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Zocor, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Zocor, including details about its uses, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Zocor provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Zocor, always follow the dosage your doctor prescribes for you.
Below is information about Zocor’s dosages for its approved uses.
Zocor form
Zocor comes as an oral tablet.
Zocor strengths
Zocor comes in the following strengths:
- 10 milligrams (mg)
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that doctors commonly prescribe or recommend in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for high cholesterol
The recommended dosage of Zocor for high cholesterol in adults is typically 20–40 mg once per day.
Note: To lower cholesterol, doctors typically prescribe Zocor with a diet that’s low in fat. They prescribe the drug with other cholesterol medications for high cholesterol due to homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. This is an inherited condition. For details about Zocor’s uses, see this article.
Dosage to lower the risk of cardiovascular problems and death
Zocor is prescribed to lower the risk of cardiovascular problems and death in adults with certain conditions. The recommended dosage is 20–40 mg once per day.
Children’s dosage
Zocor is approved in children ages 10 years and older to treat high cholesterol due to heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The recommended dosage is 10–40 mg once per day.
Note: To lower cholesterol, your child’s doctor may prescribe Zocor with a diet that’s low in fat.
Long-term treatment
Zocor is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Zocor is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you can expect to take Zocor.
If your doctor prescribed Zocor, you may have questions about it. Below are some common questions about Zocor.
What’s the best time of day to take my Zocor dose?
Typically, the best time of day to take Zocor is in the evening. This is because the enzyme (a type of protein) that Zocor works against is highest at night. Taking Zocor at night may make the drug more effective. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation for when to take Zocor. For other details, see the “How to take Zocor” section below.
Do older adults need to take a lower dose of Zocor?
Sometimes, doctors prescribe a lower dose of Zocor for older adults (ages 65 and older). In Zocor’s clinical trials, older adults experienced certain side effects more often than other adults. A lower dose may help reduce the risk of side effects with Zocor. For details about side effects and Zocor, see this article.
As with any drug, never change your Zocor dosage without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about your Zocor dosage, talk with your doctor.
The Zocor dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Zocor to treat
- your age
- how well your kidneys and liver work
- whether you take certain medications with Zocor
Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Zocor dosage.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor may lower your Zocor dosage if you:
Your doctor will determine whether to adjust your dosage of Zocor. If you’d like to know more about dosage adjustments, talk with your doctor.
* CYP3A4 is a special protein that helps break down drugs, including Zocor. So, inhibitors of CYP3A4 can affect the level of Zocor in the body. To learn about medications that may interact with Zocor, see this article.
Zocor comes as a tablet that you swallow with or without food.
It may be helpful to take Zocor around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Zocor can work effectively. Your doctor may also recommend taking Zocor in the evening. To learn more about dose timing, see the “Frequently asked questions” section above. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Zocor.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Zocor in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
If you miss a dose of Zocor, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then, take your scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at once to make up for the missed one.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you do not take more Zocor than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to side effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Zocor
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Zocor. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Zocor for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Zocor without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Zocor that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Zocor. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Zocor. For information about other aspects of Zocor, refer to this article.
- Side effects. To learn about side effects of Zocor, see this article. You can also look at the Zocor prescribing information.
- Drug comparison. Find out how Zocor compares with Lipitor and Crestor.
- Details about your condition. For details about your condition, see our cholesterol hub.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
