How Does Zocor Work?
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What is Zocor?
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Zocor (simvastatin) is a medication prescribed to treat high cholesterol. Zocor is one of several medications that may be used to treat this condition. This medication is usually prescribed after dietary changes alone have been unsuccessful in lowing cholesterol. While it may have some bothersome side effects such as fatigue, the benefits far outweigh the side effects. High cholesterol is one of the leading causes of heart disease and should be monitored regularly throughout a person's lifetime.
How Does Zocor Work?
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Zocor is part of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors class of medications. Cholesterol is produced in the body, and it is also acquired from foods that are eaten that contain excess cholesterol, such fatty meats and eggs. This medication blocks the enzyme responsible for triggering the production of cholesterol within the body. This will help to lower the total cholesterol present in the blood and reduce the risk of clogged or blocked arteries which can cause a heart attack.
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Using Zocor with a Healthy Diet
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Zocor is intended to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet to be the most effective in lowering total cholesterol. Individuals with high cholesterol should eat lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, eating fish may also help to combat high cholesterol. Individuals with high cholesterol should avoid high-cholesterol foods such as whole milk products and processed foods containing trans fats.
Tips for Taking Zocor
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Generally, patients will take between 20 and 40 mg Zocor each day. According to Mayo Clinic, some research has found that taking Zocor at night may be more effective than taking it in the morning. However, the most important thing is that the medication is taken every day. Also, the Mayo Clinic recommends that Zocor not be taken along with grapefruit juice, because it may cause the drug to become more potent and potentially damage the kidneys. This medication should not be taken when pregnant or breastfeeding.
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