Simvastatin

Question 1

what is it and mechanism

Answer 1

Statin

It inhibits HMG Co-A reductase, an enzyme in the cholesterol synthesis pathway

Question 2

indications

Answer 2

Hypercholesterolaemia

prevention of an atherosclerotic event in people with risk factors

secondary prevention of an MI

Question 3

contraindications

Answer 3

acute liver disease (high AST/ALT)

pregnancy/ lactation

rhabdomyolysis/ myopathy

Question 4

interactions

Answer 4

Amiodarone

amlodipine

antifungals/ clarithromycin/ erythromycin

Question 5

side effects

Answer 5

all side effects are frare

Asthenia (loss of strength)- muscle weakness

constipation

skin conditions e.g. rash, pruritus