Zocor

Zocor is a drug licensed to treat high cholesterol and high triglycerides, as well as to prevent cardiovascular disease. It works by blocking an enzyme that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. In research studies, people taking 20 mg were able to decrease "bad cholesterol" by an average of 38 percent. Possible side effects include headache, constipation, and stomach pain.

Zocor Medicine

What Is Zocor?

Zocor^® (simvastatin) is a prescription medication used for treating a number of conditions related to heart disease, including high cholesterol and high triglycerides.

(Click Zocor Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Zocor is manufactured by Merck and Co.

What Is Zocor Used For?

This medication has been licensed for several uses, including:

Treatment of high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
Treatment of high triglycerides
Prevention of heart or blood vessel disease (known as cardiovascular disease).

Zocor has also been approved for use in children ages 10 to 17 for the treatment of high cholesterol.

How Does It 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. The drug also:

Increases the liver's ability to collect and get rid of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol)
Increases HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol)
Decreases triglycerides.

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