Zocor Uses (Cont.)

How Does Zocor Work?

Zocor is part of a class of drugs called statins. It works by blocking a particular enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. This causes the liver to make less cholesterol. It also increases the liver's ability to collect and get rid of LDL cholesterol.
 
These effects of Zocor decrease the following forms of cholesterol and fats:
 
Zocor also increases HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).
 
The main goal of any high cholesterol treatment is to lower your LDL cholesterol enough to reduce your risk of developing problems related to high cholesterol (see Effects of High Cholesterol). The higher your risk, the lower your LDL goal will be.
 
(Click High Cholesterol Risk to see what your risk is and what your LDL cholesterol level should be.)
 
Any cholesterol treatment begins with lifestyle changes, including weight loss, diet, and exercise, among other things. If lifestyle changes are not effective at lowering cholesterol to a good level, cholesterol medication such as Zocor may be necessary.
 

Is Zocor Used in Children?

Zocor has been approved to treat high cholesterol in children ages 10 to 17. Adolescent girls can start Zocor treatment one year after their first menstrual period.
 

Is Zocor Used for Off-Label Reasons?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend a medication for treating something other than the conditions it is primarily used to treat. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, there are no known off-label uses for Zocor.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;