Definition/Active substance
The active ingredient simvastatin (Simvahexal® from Hexal) is a drug for lowering blood lipid levels. It belongs to the group of so-called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (pronouncedly called hydroxy-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors). This enzyme plays a decisive role in the body’s fat metabolism, as it is essential for the formation of new cholesterol.
Its inhibition can therefore have an influence on the fat values in the blood. Statins are therefore used to permanently lower increased cholesterol values. Above all the LDL Cholesterin, the so-called bad Cholesterin, is lowered here.
Additionally they are used with normal fat values to prevent cardiovascular diseases. If non-pharmacological measures such as diet and increased physical activity alone are not sufficient to lower an elevated cholesterol level in the patient, the additional intake of simvastatin is recommended. Simvastatin (Simvahexal®) is available in tablet form and should be taken unchewed in the evening with as much liquid as possible, as the body’s own cholesterol is formed, especially in the evening.
The tablet can be taken on an empty stomach or with a meal. The dosage of simvastatin ranges from 5 milligrams to 80 milligrams maximum dose per day and is taken once a day. The dose level depends on the type of disease (hypercholesterolemia, prevention or familial hypercholesterolemia) and the level of cholesterol/fat in the blood.
If a dose increase is necessary, it should be taken at least 4 weeks apart and not earlier. If you forget to take a tablet in the evening, continue with the usual dose the next day. The additional intake of Simvastatin (Simvahexal®) tablets must be avoided at all costs. The active ingredient simvastatin is also contained in the drug Zocor®.
Mode of action
Simvastatin is taken unchewed and the active ingredient is well absorbed by the intestinal mucosa. The active ingredient, as it is present in the tablet, is an inactive form. Therefore, the first step in the body is to convert the inactive form into an active form in order to produce the desired effect in the body for which it is intended, namely to lower blood lipid levels.
This activation takes place in the cells of the liver. Simvastatin (Simvahexal®) has a particular influence on a very specific fat value in the blood, namely on the so-called LDL cholesterol. LDL means “low density lipoprotein” and has something to do with the density of the substance.
In addition to LDL, there is also a HDL cholesterol (high for high density) and a VLDL cholesterol (very low for very low density). HDL cholesterol represents the good cholesterol of the body, LDL the bad cholesterol. The fat-lowering (especially LDL-lowering) effect is due to the fact that simvastatin both lowers LDL production and promotes the breakdown of LDL cholesterol. In addition, simvastatin (Simvahexal®) causes an increase, albeit not high, in HDL cholesterol and also a decrease in blood triglycerides. Triglycerides are another form of fat molecules in the body.
