A study on Simvastatin vs Lipitor has been documented in the write up presented below. Read about the basic properties of each of these medications and know what differentiates one from the other.
Most people often think of switching from one medication to another. One of the reasons behind this may be the pricing of medications. The same story goes with choosing between Simvastatin and Lipitor. Both these drugs are prescribed for lowering cholesterol levels, and for a number of heart conditions. Simvastatin is sold under the name ‘Zocor’, and Lipitor as ‘Atorvastatin calcium’. While the former drug is also available as a generic, the latter is not. And because generic versions of drugs tend to be cheaper than the brand-name ones, most people consider of switching from Lipitor to Simvastatin. However, before switching medications, it is important that you, besides the cost, also consider the effectiveness of each of them.
Difference Between Simvastatin and Lipitor
Uses
Both these medications are used in the treatment of conditions such as high cholesterol, and high triglycerides. They also form an important preventive measure against cardiovascular diseases. In the body, cholesterol is produced by the liver in response to a certain enzyme known as HMG-CoA reductase. So what these drugs do is, they affect or inhibit the action of this very enzyme and prevents the liver from producing more cholesterol. So when it comes to functioning, these medications are no different from each other.
Side Effects
With every medication, side effects are an obvious occurrence, and so is with these drugs. Common side effects of Simvastatin that may occur, include:
→ Pain in the abdominal region
→ Digestive problems such as constipation, and diarrhea
→ Feeling of being tired and weak most of the time
→ Flatulence
→ Infections of the upper respiratory tract
→ Nausea
→ Headache
→ Pain in muscles
And as far as Lipitor is concerned, it may cause side effects such as:
→ Pain in the joints
→ Infections
→ Muscles pain
→ Sinus inflammation
→ Diarrhea
→ Pain in the back
→ Skin rash, for no apparent reason
→ Sore throat
Dosage
When it comes to the dosage, it is then that these two drugs differ from each other. For adults and children with high cholesterol, the dosages are as follows:
Simvastatin:
Adults : 20 mg to 40 mg per day, at night
Children : 10 mg per day
Lipitor:
Adults : 10 mg to 20 mg per day
Children : 10 mg per day
Points to Remember
- As you can infer from the above information on dosages, half the amount of Lipitor works as effectively as Simvastatin, in case of adults
- Maximum daily dosage for kids must not exceed 20 mg a day with Lipitor
- Maximum daily dosage for kids must not exceed 40 mg a day with Simvastatin
- Simvastatin can interact with drugs such as fibrates, certain protease inhibitors, high blood pressure drugs, drugs for preventing blood clots, certain supplements, antifungals, antidepressants, and drugs for congestive heart failure. It may also interact with other drugs for lowering cholesterol, and grapefruit juice and grapefruit products
- Lipitor may interact with drugs such as oral contraceptives, certain antibiotics, certain antifungal drugs, medications for high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, and drugs for HIV/AIDS. It may also interact with other cholesterol-lowering medications, and red yeast rice
You can see what it means, from the difference in dosages, to switch between drugs even when they are prescribed for the same purpose. It is extremely essential that you always take advice from your doctor regarding switching between drugs. Avoid self medication and take care!
