When is the best time to take simvastatin?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Oct 24, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

The best time to take simvastatin is in the evening. This is because your body makes most of its cholesterol at night when you are not eating. One study that measured people’s total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins found that concentrations of these two lipids were significantly lower when simvastatin was taken in the evening, than when it was taken in the morning.

Other studies that have investigated atorvastatin, have found no difference in total cholesterol and LDL concentrations between taking it in the morning or taking it at night. This may be explained by its longer elimination half-life, which means it lasts longer in the body than simvastatin.

Take simvastatin in the evening. Simvastatin does not upset your stomach, so you can take it with or without food but swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.

Do not drink grapefruit juice while you’re taking simvastatin. Grapefruit juice has a big effect on the concentration of simvastatin in your blood because it contains compounds called furanocoumarins that block the effects of CYP3A, an enzyme that works in your liver to break down substances, including simvastatin. This means more simvastatin is absorbed making it more powerful than it's meant to be, which could result in toxic levels in some people.

References

Wallace, A., Chinn, D., & Rubin, G. (2003). Taking simvastatin in the morning compared with in the evening: randomized controlled trial. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 327(7418), 788. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.327.7418.788
Grapefruit juice and statins. Harvard Health Publishing School. June 14, 2020. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/grapefruit-juice-and-statins

Do statins cause rhabdomyolysis, and how is it treated?

Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but serious side effect of statins, a class of cholesterol-lowering medications. It involves the breakdown of muscle tissue, which releases substances into the bloodstream that can cause kidney damage. While statins are generally safe, rhabdomyolysis from statins is uncommon and most likely to occur at high doses or when combined with certain other drugs.

Can I drink grapefruit juice with simvastatin?

You should not drink grapefruit juice with simvastatin because it can significantly increase blood levels of simvastatin and increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage and a condition called rhabdomyolysis, which is the excessive breakdown of muscle tissue. Occasionally, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage and death. Continue reading

What are the 10 most effective ways to lower cholesterol?

Eat more oats and other soluble fiber
Include more plant sterols or stanols
Avoid trans fats
Eat monounsaturated and polyunsaturated Fats
Lose weight
Exercise
Don't drink alcohol
Improve your gut health
Stop smoking if you smoke
Follow your doctor's advice about taking cholesterol-lowering medications

When is the best time to take simvastatin?

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Do statins cause rhabdomyolysis, and how is it treated?

Can I drink grapefruit juice with simvastatin?

What are the 10 most effective ways to lower cholesterol?

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