Simvastatin why at bedtime

About Us Disclaimer Contact Us. Toggle navigation. Please enter text to search. Search by Outlines. Set Search Limits. Summary : Endogenous cholesterol synthesis is cyclical in nature with the greatest production during fasting states. The elimination half-lives of statins determine if an agent should be dosed at bedtime.

Explanation Hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, more commonly known as statins, are recommended as first-line agents in the reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-C.

References: Expert panel on the detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults: executive summary of the third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program NCEP expert panel on detection, evaluation, and treatment of high cholesterol in adults adult treatment panel III.

Plakogiannis R, Cohen H. Optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering - morning versus evening statin administration. When you have too much LDL cholesterol, it can build up in the walls of your arteries. This can lead to decreased blood flow. High LDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease.

Most statins should be taken once every 24 hours. Depending on the particular medication and dosage, you may need to take your statin twice a day.

Certain statins work better when taken with a meal. This is because the cholesterol-making enzyme is more active at night. Also, the half-life, or the amount of time it takes for half the dose to leave your body, of some statins is short. Simvastatin is an example of a statin that works better if taken in the evening.

Lovastatin should be taken with dinner. However, the extended-release version of lovastatin, Altoprev, should be taken at bedtime. Studies show that some of the newer statins can be just as effective when taken in the morning.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are more potent than older statins. They have half-lives of at least 14 hours. Follow directions carefully for maximum effectiveness.

Your doctor knows your personal medical issues and is your best source for information. Always ask if your statin should be taken with food or at a specific time of day. Statins work best when taken at the same time each day. With some statins, drinking grapefruit juice, or eating grapefruit, is a bad idea. Grapefruit juice can cause that statin to stay in your body much longer, and the drug can build up. She said the study suggests people who are having insomnia while taking simvastatin should consult their doctor.

Ronald Rogers, a spokesman for Merck, said the company studied the question of insomnia in several large trials, including one comparing simvastatin with pravastatin, and found no higher risk of sleep problems in patients who took simvastatin.

Millions of people take simvastatin to lower their cholesterol and many studies have shown that statins can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Editing by Mohammad Zargham. Company News Updated.