Zocor

Zocor is used for decreasing the level of cholesterol and its function is to block the production of cholesterol. The medication reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol in the blood. If your cholesterol is lower, it means that you have low risk of heart disease and hardening of the arteries. Lower cholesterol means fewer risks that cause heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease. The medication can also be used for other purposes which are not listed above.

You should avoid taking the medication if you have allergic reactions to zocor. You should not use the medication if you are pregnant, if you are breast-feeding a baby or if you have liver disease. There are certain medical conditions in which you cannot use the medication or you need a dosage adjustment or you have to carry out special tests during the treatment. The medication belongs to FDA category X which means that it is expected to cause birth defects, so you should avoid taking the medication if you are pregnant or would become pregnant during the treatment. It is not known whether the medication passes into milk of nursing mother or not, so if you are breast-feeding a baby then you should consult with your doctor. The medication is not recommended for children younger than 10 years of age.



Take the medication according to the prescription of your doctor and avoid taking the medication in larger amount. You should follow the instructions on the label. Take each dose of the medication with a glass of water and it is usually taken at bedtime. While you are taking the medication, you have to carry out some blood tests and you should also carry out tests of your liver's function. You can take the medication on long-term basis, if you have high cholesterol. Place the medication at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.

If you miss a dose then take as soon as you remember and if the time is near to take next scheduled dose then skip the missed dose and follow your regular scheduled dose. You should avoid taking double doses at the same time. If you suspect overdose then contact with your doctor immediately and get emergency medical help. You should avoid eating such foods which contain high cholesterol, because the medication could not be effective if you don’t follow the diet of low cholesterol. You should not drink alcohol during the treatment, because alcohol can raise triglyceride level which can damage your liver. You should avoid taking grapefruit because it can interact with the medication. You should consult with your doctor if you have to bring any changes in your diet.

If you experience any signs of allergic reactions like hives, difficulty in breathing, and swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, then immediately inform your doctor. There are some serious side effects in which you need to stop taking the medication and get emergency medical help. These include muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine. There are less serious side effects which occur more likely with the use of zocor, like nausea, constipation, mild stomach pain, gas, bloating, stomach upset, heartburn, and diarrhea.